Development of a Sawdust Fluidized Bed Gasifier: Design and Fabrication

Aims: This research involves the development of a sawdust fired fluidized bed reactor for the production of synthetic gas for domestic cooking.

Study Design: A sawdust fired fluidized bed reactor using AutoCAD inventor.

Place and Duration of Study: Department of Mechanical Engineering, Federal University of Technology, Akure Ondo state Nigeria.

Methodology: The reactor consists of a hopper, rolled mild steel plate frame lined with clay which forms the frame, air distributor plate and five radially spaced tuyeres. The reactor is fed with pelletized sawdust, retain heat within it and maintain a temperature of 50⁰C at the external surface to minimize burns.

Results: Air was forced into the plenum, after which the air distributor plate evenly distributed jets of air in the bed resulting in complete and incomplete combustion. Combustible gas was produced after 30 minutes and used to boil water.

Conclusion: The sawdust fired fluidized bed reactor is recommended for domestic household use.