Gasification is the thermal decomposition of carbonaceous materials (organic or fossil based) into a fuel gas mainly consisting of hydrogen, methane, carbon dioxide, carbon monoxide and some higher order hydrocarbons. The gasification process occurs at high temperatures (greater than 700^oC) with controlled air, oxygen and/or steam inputs.  Gasification is a robust conversion mechanism and is applicable to many types of fuels, including coal, biomass and municipal solid waste (MSW).

The fuel gas produced can be fed into a conventional internal combustion engine (ICE), gas turbine or fuel cell for generation of electricity, and/or can be alternatively converted into liquid fuels and specialty chemicals through chemical upgrading processes. Heat is also available as the by-product of the gasification process and also from heat recovery from the combustion engine.  

Gasification processes are designed to incorporate waste heat recovery, resulting in very high overall process efficiencies. Due to the lower conversion temperatures compared with traditional combustion technologies, gasification processes are cleaner resulting in fewer emissions of nitrous and sulphur oxides. The other significant advantage of gasification is the direct applicability of ICE as the secondary conversion technology to electricity – ICE is a low cost conversion technology, and combined with high overall process efficiency (incorporating heat recovery), gasification can be a low cost solution per unit of electricity generation at suitable scales.

Earth Systems’ staff are widely experienced in the field of gasification, especially in the conversion of woody residues. We are able to provide unique assistance for feasibility studies, small to large scale test work, process design and research and development.