This paper presents the results of a study on a multi-stage hybrid biomass-
charcoal gasification to produce low tar content gas for engine application
using coconut shell as a fuel. The performance of a gasifier-engine system
consisting of the hybrid biomass-charcoal gasifier, a gas cleaning/cooling
system and a diesel engine is also discussed.
The lowest tar content found in hybrid coconut shell-charcoal gasification
was 28 mg N m(-3). Using a spray tower, producer gas could be cooled down t
o 40 degreesC; almost tar-free gas was obtained after cooling the producer
gas from the hybrid gasifier system. A three-cylinder Perkins diesel engine
was tested at a constant speed of 1500 rpm on diesel alone and dual fuel m
odes of operation. A maximum of 81% of the total heat energy input was repl
aced by the producer gas at an electricity generation of 11.44kWe. (C) 2001
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