Gasification of locally available wood logs on updraft portable gasifier

Generation of producer gas was carried out with wood chips and briquettes on a portable type updraft gasifier. Bulk density of briquettes made with palsh leaf (186.80 Kg/m³) was less than the bulk density of wood (460 Kg/m³) whereas the calorific value of briquettes (3807 Kcal/kg) was at par with the calorific value of wood (3895 Kcal/kg). Average fuel requirement on the gasifier for wood and briquettes were 25 kg/h and 15 kg/h, respectively. For same capacity of air blower (12.5 m³/h), the average energy conversion efficiency were 52% and 54% for wood chips and briquettes, respectively. Sulphur content of briquettes (0.186%) was slightly less as compared to wood (0.243%). Biomass consumption rate of the gasifier was 3 - 5 kg/h. It is a good substitute of LPG, particularly in terms of fuel saving and quality of flame produced during cooking.