[Gasification] kalle dimensions?

[jim mason]

> Tom Reed       BEF
>
> There is a picture of the gasifier mounted on a sedan at the end of the
> article.  The height of the car is 5 cm on my screen and the diameter of
> the gasifier is 2 cm.  If the true car height is 2 m, then the gasifier
> has a diameter of (2/5*2) 80 cm.  It looks rather "fat".  It was
> probably made in different sizes for different engines, just as later
> the Imbert/WWII gasifier had to be sized to the engine.
>

well yes, we can estimate the total hopper size in this manner, but
none of the critical dimensions as you know.  moreover, i would
imagine the kalle is rather flexible on total hopper size, as the
action is all in the center nozzle and uptake grate.  in general i
think they were usually squarish in cross section.  more like a cross
draft than typical up or down draft designs.

i would imagine we could estimate nozzle size for x gas output from
total nozzle area for multi tuyeres imbert types.  those tables are in
all the books.  and direct delivered air for x gas should be around
the same for the kalle and nozzle type downdrafts.

the uptake grate could be estimated by making it at least equal to the
area the gas flows through after the grate (in the space bwetween the
two center tubes).  but really, it would need to be rather larger than
this, as char is going to build up on the grate and resist flow.

there was a rule of thumb i read somewhere between volume of air in
and volume of gas out.  for some reason i remember the output gas
being 60% more volume than air input.  this would be corrected to
standard conditions, which of course were not very standard.  but
approximately from there, you could add heat, and therefore get
volumetric flow, and use the tables that show flow resistance for x
volume.   and size grate and center tube flow area accordingly. uggh!

doesn't someone have all this documented out already?  did every last
kalle really end up in the scrap heap?


> You are correct that this is probably the most explicit
> explanation of a chemically and mechanically sophisticated
> invention ever published.  I also recommend it to all as
> fascinating reading and inventing.

i agree it is an inspiring read.  but i still think my most inspiring
read in the gasification world to date has been the "encyclopedia of
biomass thermal conversion" in your BEF catalog.  the various concerns
and factors explored therein, in academic studies, design history,
nature of fuels, indexes of research and companies, details tens, if
not hundreds of similar thought trajectories as the kalle article.
you can't read it and not similarly start imagining new designs and
scenarios.  all variables become clear and open for play.  it is what
hooked me.  and its only 800 pages . . .  ;-)




> jim mason wrote:
> > i am wondering if any of you might have ideas for where to find
> > specific dimensions and documentation of the kalle gasifier.
> >
> > the best i can find it the article at
> > http://www.hotel.ymex.net/~s-20222/gengas/kg_eng.html.  the article is
> > great.  if you haven't read it, you should consider it.  a great walk
> > through of the logic that led to the design.
> >
> > nonetheless, the documentation on the dynamic nozzle/grate tube, as
> > well as the cyclone/co2 recycle are not very specific.  approximations
> > of course could be made, but it would be much more attractive to start
> > where kalle left off, and not replow his field.
> >
> > so, does anyone have or know of where there are specific dimensions or
> > even good pictures?  better yet, has anyone ever heard of one for
> > sale?  likely not.
> >
> > maybe someone knows someone who has one and could be bothered for some
> > detailed documentation?
> >
> > thanks in advance.
> >
> > jim
> >
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> >
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