Why gasify biomass? An industrial gasifier offers flexibility in power generation method, although it also brings some additional complexity and challenges.
Gasification can also help make use of biomass rich in alkali metals. These materials can melt and sinter if overheated, making temperature control particularly important.
A further opportunity is the recovery of some of the biomass carbon as biochar. When used in an appropriate long-term application, stable biochar can retain that carbon for many years.
Biochar has historically been used as a soil improver, helping to retain moisture and nutrients. It has also been used in the remediation of hydrocarbon pollution.
This is where the TORBED processor shows its strengths as an industrial gasifier. High heat and mass transfer rates, responsive control and thorough mixing offer the potential to produce biochar of consistent quality, with useful levels of activation. The properties achieved depend on the feedstock and operating conditions.
The result is an opportunity to produce useful energy while recovering a valuable carbon-rich product.