GAS-L: Blackburn's sawdust gasifier

[Joacim Persson <joacim@ymex.net>]

On Tue, 30 Jan 2001, Tom Blackburn wrote:

> Dear Graeme and list members,
> 
> Last year I spent hundreds of hours building, studying and modifying a
> gasifier for the purpose of turning sawdust and wood chips into producer gas
> to power an IC engine coupled to a 7.5 kw generator.  The finished unit
> pre-dries the mixture, automatically feeds the gasifier and rakes the ash
> out on a continuous basis. This unit produces a clean blue flame within 3
> minutes of ignition from a propane torch. My project has been sitting on a
> trailer, outside, with a tarp over it, for almost a year now. My Y2K
> enthusiasm has waned and our electric rate is 8.4 cents per kwh!
> I don't have any plans for this unit, but if anyone would like to discuss
> some of the problems I encountered and overcame, I would be willing to do so
> privately. Also, this gasifier needs a good home. Probably someone who likes
> to tinker. If anyone wants to chat, I can be reached at;  tomb@snowcrest.net

I'm curious about one thing with that gasifier. I remember you got `cold'
gas (100°C?) from it after the steel marbles were added on top of the
grate.

Has anyone come up with a good theory about the low reduction temperature?
Cathalyst? It really is exceptional. It would be interesting to see a gas
analysis from it.

Joacim
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