GASIFIER ACTION RESEARCH PROJECT (GARP)

 

Biomass Gasification Technology and Utilisation (BGTU)

 

Consequent to realisation of the potential of biomass as a substitute for conventional fossil fuels and then DNES marching ahead with field demonstration and technology implementation programs, the area of biomass gasification and utilisation climbed high in the research priority list of many institutions. Activities at IIT Bombay started with preparation of a State of Art Report on Gasification of Biomass under a DNES sponsored project. Collection and compilation of published information about biomass gasification process; technology and field experiences provided a basis for planning further activities in the area.

 

Test Facilities for Performance Evaluation of Gasifier and Gasifier-Engine Systems were established during 1985-88 under yet another DNES project. Assessment of technology was recognised as an important need of the biomass program. The task to be accomplished by Test Facilities included identification of performance criteria, formulation and standardisation of the methods of evaluation of the criteria and assessment of systems for acceptance in DNES program. Setting up of standards for these performance criteria constituted an important facet of this work. Design & prototyping of gasification systems and their iterative & interactive optimisation was also an important focus of the assignment. Need-specific basic and applied research emanated as an imperative in the process. The facilities have since then been augmented from time to time, to be able to meet the emerging testing as well as research and development needs.

 

 

View of the Test Facilities

 

Biomass gasification laboratory of IIT-Bombay has the distinction of being uniquely equipped for biomass analysis, gasification process analysis and engine performance analysis. With such wide spectrum of facilities, up-to-date information database and several thousand hours of operating experience on variety of gasifiers, the gasification laboratory at IITB was rightly accorded the status of an Action Research Center (ARC). Later it was renamed as the Gasifier Action Research Project (GARP-IITB).

 

Commercial activities in the area of biomass gasification technology and utilisation have increased manifolds, in the last decade. By the millennium year there were already six approved firms, manufacturing biomass gasification systems for thermal as well as power applications. Many more were in the process of entry. Thermal applications with their lax requirements about Tar and Particulates are becoming popular. For the same reason updraft systems have started gaining grounds. Their fuel flexibility and trouble free operation have helped widening the application base of the technology. Contribution of GARP-IITB towards furthering the cause of biomass gasification technology, through basic research, development and assessment of the technology are well recognised. This brochure presents glimpses of the facilities and activities at GARP-IITB.

 

                      

 

                                                                   On-line Facilities at GARP-IITB