Biomass processes

The following are the three main processes used in developing countries to generate bioenergies.

• Gasification: Gasification is the thermo-chemical process of obtaining energy from solid matter in a gaseous form. In principle, the process is a thermal decomposition of organic matter in the presence of limited supply of air or oxygen to produce combustible gases thus converting calorific value of organic material into a gaseous energy carrier.

• Pyrolysis: In contrast to complete combustion of solid carbonaceous material, the process of pyrolysis refers to combustion in a deficient supply of air / oxygen. The process gives out carbon-mono-oxide and methane, which are condensed to form tar and aqueous liquor. The latter is then distilled to give methanol and other organic substances.

• Direct Combustion: Thermal decomposition of organic matter is carried out in the presence of excess air, liberating heat and leaving behind incombustible ash. Direct combustion of Biomass is an important route for generation of grid-quality power by efficient use of agricultural, agro-industrial and forest residues, which are either being wasted or are being sub-optimally utilized in the country.