Cyclones for the Removal of Biochar From A Fludized Bed Reactor

Gasification of cotton gin trash (CGT) has the potential to be a financially feasible means of electricity generation for cotton gins across the nation. Synthesis gas (syngas) which is a low calorific value (LCV) gas and biochar are the two products from the thermochemical gasification process. An estimated 20% of the incoming feedstock mass leaves the fluidized bed reactor conveying the biochar to the cyclone system. The goal of the cyclone system is to remove the maximum amount of biochar prior to fueling the engine to produce electricity. The temperature of syngas and biochar leaving the gasifier is in the range of 800-1,000°F. The syngas is void of oxygen and must remain void of oxygen until it enters the generator. The goal of this research was test the hypothesis that properly designed cyclones could separate the char from the LCV gas at 98% efficiencies with the potential of maintaining the syngas void of oxygen for proper and safe biochar removal. A laboratory scale model was constructed using a six-inch barrel, TAMU 1D2D, and TAMU 1D3D cyclones. The measured performances of the cyclones at ambient temperatures were determined and reported. Results were collection efficiencies of 97% for the barrel and 1D2D cyclones, 98% for the 1D3D cyclone, and 99% for the 1D2D and 1D3D cyclones connected in series.