Advances In Gasification and Pyrolysis Research Using Various Biomass Feedstock

This paper will present recent advances in gasification and pyrolysis research utilizing various biomass wastes including cotton gin trash. Texas A&M University (TAMU) has recently developed and patented a modular fluidized bed gasification technology and added the fluidized bed pyrolysis system (Serial No. 61/302,001). Discussions on the benefits and scale of both systems will be made. In addition, recent research accomplishments such as the following: development of control systems, gasification and pyrolysis of multiple feedstock, the development of a modular system on a trailer and future applications will also be explained. Interesting research studies have recently been focused on pyrolysis technologies for the production of bio-crude oil from various biomass feedstock. Compounds present in the biooil will be enumerated and various extraction, fractionation and catalytic procedures will be outlined to generate transport fuels such as JP8, gasoline and diesel fractions. Finally, the concept on the development of mobile fast pyrolysis system for the sustainable production of biooil will be illustrated using geographic information system (GIS) mapping tools.