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Experimental Study on Gasification of Jatropha Shells in a Downdraft Open Top Gasifier

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Abstract

Thermochemical gasification characteristics of Jatropha shells were investigated in this study. Jatropha shells were gasified in a downdraft wood gasifier for two air nozzles opened and top opened condition. The temperature variation in the various zones of the gasifier was measured during gasification process. Operating parameters were calculated for the gasifier. Producer gas generated from gasification of Jatropha shells has low calorific value (2.55 MJ/Nm3) as compared to the wood (4.48 MJ/Nm3). The gasification efficiency or coefficient of thermal conversion was 64 % for shells which is lower than that of wood gasification which was 84 %. The complete gasification of shells could not be achieved because of low bulk density and irregular shape. Jatropha shells are not suitable for gasification in downdraft open top gasifier.

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Acknowledgments

Author would like to express thanks to Prof. Bhuvanesh Gupta, Department of Textile Engineering and Prof. P.M.V. Subbarao, Department of Mechanical Engineering, Indian Institute of Technology Delhi, New Delhi for providing necessary help during the course of the experimental work.

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  1. Department of Mechanical Engineering, G. B. Pant Engineering College, Pauri-Garhwal, 246194, Uttarakhand, India

    Lalta Prasad

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  1. Lalta Prasad
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Prasad, L. Experimental Study on Gasification of Jatropha Shells in a Downdraft Open Top Gasifier. Waste Biomass Valor 6, 117–122 (2015). https://doi.org/10.1007/s12649-014-9321-8

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  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s12649-014-9321-8

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