HYDROGEN-RICH SYNGAS (HRS) PRODUCTION FROM RICE HUSKS WITH MIGRATORY PYROLYTIC FRONT METHOD IN TOP-LIT UPDRAFT GASIFIER (TLUD)

Abstract

Biomass gasification is an emerging method for hydrogen-rich syngas (HRS) production, though the systematic effects of gasification parameters on HRS composition remain unclear. Prior studies on top-lit-updraft gasifier (TLUD) focused on the effects of chamber configuration on syngas and char composition, with unclear insight into hydrogen enhancement processes in gasification. The present study examines the effects of airflow on HRS production in a TLUD reactor using rice husk pyrolysis. Flare flame that is formed at 10–16 m³/h air flow rate confirms the reactor reliability within specific conditions. Interestingly, H₂ concentration in the HRS rose linearly with air flow rate, reaching a maximum of 51% H₂ as the average reactor temperature increased above 900℃. CO₂ emission dropped by 25.7% at a high air flow rate due to high-temperature consumption by hot char in the reduction zone. Methane oxidation supplies water vapor in the oxidation zone, supporting the water-gas shift reaction to boost H₂ production. CO₂ emission of 0.15 kg/ kg H₂ shows that the present setup has a lower carbon footprint compared to that of the Steam Methane Reforming, though the energy requirement of 1325 MJ/kg shows that the gasification requires further optimization for field implementation.