Masters Theses

Abstract

"The operation of a fluidized-bed gasifier using rice hulls and a spark-ignition, internal combustion (IC) engine on product gas at the optimum reactor conditions and on gasoline produced generator loads of 6.7 KWe and 10.5 KWe at average speeds of 1740 RPM and 1785 RPM and thermal efficiencies of 12.7% and 13.8%, respectively. The diesel engine operation on dual diesel fuel oil (DFO) product gas and 100% DFO generated 8.0 KWe and 8.3 KWe at 1416 RPM and 1552 RPM and thermal efficiencies of 10.2% and 20.2% respectively. The gasoline engine could be run on 100% product gas while the diesel engine could be operated on a product gas-DFO substitution rate of 35-57%. Both engines were capable of higher generator load outputs at reduced speeds. The results of the study demonstrate that a fluidized-bed gasifier system could be an effective energy conversion system for loose, high ash and high temperature sensitive fuel like rice hulls. For long-term engine operation on product gas, the results suggest that a pressurized reactor and fuel feeding system would offer a number of advantages over the current reactor designs. Some improvements on product gas and air mixing could be achieved by an appropriate linkage and control system which respond automatically to the generator load. Additional power output may result in turbocharging the air prior to mixing with the product gas"--Abstract, page ii.

Advisor(s)

Flanigan, V. J.

Committee Member(s)

Culp, Archie W., Jr.
Myers, Donald D., 1939-2009

Department(s)

Mechanical and Aerospace Engineering

Degree Name

M.S. in Mechanical Engineering

Sponsor(s)

United States. Agency for International Development

Comments

Print thesis not available at Missouri S&T Library; scan made from microfilm is best quality available.

Publisher

University of Missouri--Rolla

Publication Date

Fall 1987

Pagination

viii, 96 pages

Note about bibliography

Includes bibliographical references (pages 68-70).

Rights

© 1987 Luis Cruz Baja, All rights reserved.

Document Type

Thesis - Open Access

File Type

text

Language

English

Subject Headings

Fluidized reactors
Rice hulls
Combustion chambers

Thesis Number

T 5572

Print OCLC #

17693341

Electronic OCLC #

962730893

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