Understanding Gasification Science Gasification is a thermochemical process that converts organic materials into synthesis gas (syngas) through partial oxidation at high temperatures. This process occurs in four distinct zones within the gasifier reactor.
The Four Zones of Gasification 1. Drying Zone: Moisture is removed from feedstock. 2. Pyrolysis Zone: Organic compounds break down into gases and char. 3. Combustion Zone: Limited oxygen burns some material to provide heat. 4. Reduction Zone: Steam and CO2 react with char to produce syngas.
Chemical Reactions The primary reactions in gasification include: C + O2 → CO2 (combustion), C + CO2 → 2CO (Boudouard reaction), C + H2O → CO + H2 (water-gas reaction), and CO + H2O → CO2 + H2 (water-gas shift reaction). These reactions produce the valuable syngas composed primarily of carbon monoxide and hydrogen.