[Gasification] FUEL SELECTION TO GASIFIER

[doug.williams]

Hello Leonard,

Welcome to gasification, your life might never be the same again. (:-)

You stated the intent of your interest in a previous posting, so will get to 
the point.

> Anyhow the sawdust is what really has me excited. I would like to go on 
> the
> design based on Doug Williams Pioneer, simply because from what I've read 
> it
> works well for a beginner.

For a school project, get cutting up waste wood into small blocks the size 
of a matchbox, and you will not fail to make good quality gas for an engine. 
Of course you will go through a trial period to sort out your fabrication, 
but do not waste time dreaming about sawdust and fire balls. These are 
interesting distractions which in the short term, will not get your project 
completed in time for next year.  A little time spent setting up a docking 
saw, and fuel storage bin/drier, will see you well prepared by Summer to 
make gas. The fuel preparation is a small price to pay for fast results, and 
a reliable gas making system, even if you have to begin with an axe and bow 
saw.

 >The sawdust seems to be the challenge, so I'm
> asking for direction with the sawdust as fuel. What type of gasifier would
> work best?

It is a challenge that still has many question marks over it's use as an raw 
unprepared  fuel. Pelletized sawdust has limited application to open core 
gasifiers, and stoves, but from my experience,  thermally bonded briquetted 
sawdust has the better advantage in downdraft gasifiers, due to it's size as 
an engine fuel. This was proven in Europe about 1996-7, and our gasifier 
design worked extremely well. In practical terms, it is really not an option 
to make thermally bonded briquettes for DIY gasifiers, but as time goes by, 
they will be available at the Hardware store, like they have right now in 
the Netherlands, but at $350/Tonne??????

Hope this helps,
Doug Williams,
Fluidyne Gasification.