What is gasification? Gasification is the process of breaking down any organic matter (matter containing carbon) into a gas called Producer Gas or Syngas. For more information check our page on The Science Behind the System .
What is Producer Gas/Syngas? Producer gas, a.k.a. Syngas, is a versatile fuel created from the gasification process. It has very similar properties to natural gas and can be used to power an internal combustion engine in order to create electricity.
Is Gasification the same as Incineration? No! The EPA has stated that the two are not the same. Incineration is an exceptionally dirty way of getting rid of waste. It also creates highly toxic emissions, dioxins and furans since combustion is not happening at the level of control that occurs with gasification. Click here to find out what the National Energy Technology Laboratory has to say about gasification and low emissions.
Does gasification affect the environment? Gasification has minimal effects on the environment including:
CARBON NEUTRALITY Gasification is a carbon neutral process. It fits into the carbon-cycle in perfect harmony by using responsibly sourced biomass as fuel. The carbon dioxide released from the bioHearth® gasification system is re-absorbed by plant life through photosynthesis, creating a complete carbon cycle. Fossil fuels release sequestered (stored) CO2, adding to the total amount of CO2 found in the Earth’s atmosphere.
LOW EMISSIONS Gasification efficiently breaks down feedstock including mixtures containing a percentage of plastic past the point of harmful emissions, Gasification emissions fall well below emission standards of the EPA and those of other developed countries. Click here to find out what the National Energy Technology Laboratory has to say about gasification and low emissions.
How can the energy from producer gas be stored? Producer gas is created with an on demand system. It is ideally used as generated. However, it can be stored in batteries, mechanical energy, etc., but is not effective as a compressed fuel for things like natural gas (NG) vehicles.
What is the lead time for a bioHearth® system? From the time of ordering, you can expect your bioHearth® to arrive to your facility within 5-7 months. You can expect it to be fully operational and staff fully trained within 9 months of ordering.
What are the byproducts of gasification and the bioHearth® system? The byproducts of the bioHearth® are heat and biochar. Heat can be captured off of several components of the system. This heat can be used to dry feedstock or other uses such as heating water,
Biochar, which is the same as activated carbon, is what is left after the feedstock is completely broken down. It has several potential uses including a soil additive for agriculture, filtration,
Can the bioHearth® operate a diesel engine? Yes! Most modern diesel engines can run on producer gas with very little modification. For optimal efficiency, a mix of 90% producer gas and 10% diesel is used. The producer gas is introduced through the turbo charge system.
How long can the bioHearth® operate? The bioHearth® has the ability to operate 24/7 with minimal maintenance shutdown required.
What is the bioHearth® system’s warranty? All components manufactured by Waste to Energy Systems, LLC have a 12 months warranty. All ancillary equipment carries an original manufacturer’s warranty.
Is the bioHearth® safe? We hold safety as top priority at Waste to Energy Systems. That is why the bioHearth® meets industry safety standards from equipment construction to redundant safety programming.
How is the bioHearth® operated? The bioHearth® system is completely automated. It is controlled by a high quality Allen Bradley PLC, which allows it to be remotely monitored by computer and/or mobile devices. This means your operator can simply pull out his phone to check how the system is running.
What feedstocks can the bioHearth® use? A wide variety of feedstocks can be used to operate the bioHearth® including:
REFUSE DERIVED FUEL (RDF) including up to 22% plastics.
AGRICULTURAL WASTE such as harvesting byproducts, manure, coop bedding, etc.
LUMBER AND FOREST WASTE such as tree trimmings, sawdust, wood chips, etc.
MANUFACTURING WASTE such as food by products, shipping materials, etc.
For more information, see the BIOHEARTH® page.
What is necessary to prepare the feedstock for use? Depending on your feedstock, this can vary from a drying system to get feedstock to the proper moisture content to a briquette machine for finer feedstocks such as sawdust to a simple auger. We are happy to custom design the necessary feedstock preparation system for our customers to ensure quality operation of the bioHearth® system. For more information see BIOHEARTH® page.
What is biomass? Biomass is defined as organic matter (containing carbon) that is used as a fuel source for energy production.
Can I get a system customized to my feedstock and my needs? Yes! We offer feedstock testing for an additional. This will ensure that the system will work optimally and allow you to receive data about the producer gas your system will produce prior to purchase. We offer a selection of custom options including burner, internal combustion engine, heat capture, etc.