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DIY
construction of a gasifier for mobile applications
Disclaimer
The information
on this
internet site has been composed with the largest possible care. The
writer rejects liability for possible loose ends, inadequacies and
implications. Moreover he is not responsible for damage, loss, lesion
or death, caused by DIY builders or producers, who have used the
information on this internet site.
Introduction
Or might I say: discouragement. I have already written it before:
building a decent gas generator is more labour than building a house.
Perhaps not in the absolute sense, but the required materials cannot be
obtained from the local hardware store. Many parts have to be made by
yourself or by a machine shop. This demands the necessary skills, but
also a well filled wallet.
Building without proper preparation by means of studying the theory, is
generally doomed to fail.
The largest enemy of woodgasifiers are air leaks. Therefore tidy work
is a requirement. Summarized, you need much patience and time (hundreds
of hours), some mathematical insight, the skill to work with metal and
vehicles, and money. Do not think of hundreds, but of thousands of
Euros. Also consider that building the generator itself will cost only
10% of the total time. It is the whole project, that kills the
enthusiasm. Patience and perseverance are the most important qualities
of a woodgasser.
Of course it is possible to build a Stratified or Imbert with oil drums
and a car rim. But the life span of the unit will be restricted to a
few hundreds of kilometers, and also the life span of the engine is
greatly reduced. Frustration will be larger than the invested time, so
don’t. I deliberately do not refer to the FEMA
plans of
stratified downdraft. Oil drums are for oil and rims are to ride with.
It is very simple make woodgas. It is appallingly difficult make clean
woodgas.
Well, you have not let yourself get discouraged. Built a beautiful
installation. High expectations. Take into account that a woodgas
operated car does not pull the rocks out of the street. A
Citroën
2CV Duck will show its tail to you. Gasification is capricious: one
time everything works fine, while the next moment power is less,
without a direct reason. City driving and traffic-jams can lead to
embarrassing situations. Be sure that you always can switch to petrol
within seconds, from the drivers seat.
Still full of courage? Let’s go on then.
Carwood
It seems unimportant, but a constant supply of wood is also a
requirement. It is tempting to produce it manually, but the needed
volumes will not allow you to have a day job. Therefore: either have it
provided or produce it mechanically.
Don’t be seduced by small woodchips, made of twigs. Although
a
very few successful gasifiers run on chips; to start with it, you will
be disappointed. The fines need to be sieved out and the compact mass
is not easy to dry.
Logs, even when split are too large. On carwood you must think of the
size of a matchbox to a cigarette box. The sort of
wood
does not matter, but beech contains more energy compared to pine, so a
larger distance can be travelled on it. Resin is no problem for a well
dimensioned gasifier.
The wood which I use has been produced by a Laimet chipper. This make
of chipper cuts wood in uniform large bits, without frayed edges and
fine parts.
DIY wood chopping can be done the Finnish art.
Have a look: http://www.ekoautoilijat.fi/tekstit/kuvatekstit/Pilketehdas1.htm
Also possible: cutting slices of a log, which can be chopped afterwards
with a small axe. Labor-intensive, but highest energy compactness.
Store in a well ventilated shed or boxes. Best immediately in paper
sacks.
If the generator is equipped with a so-called monorator, relatively wet
wood can used. The monorator condenses the moisture from the wood and
leads it to a tank.
Green wood cannot be gasified, because of the still living cell
structure. Dry wood that got some rain can be filled into a monorator.
Taking wood is easiest in sacks. Papers sacks do not last long, but
breath the moist. Plastic is an alternative, but does not ventilate.
Netted sacks are cumbersome to fill and discharge and you do not want
them on the back seat.
Preparation
Studying. Particularly self-study, because there is no training or
course. There are forums, but it is difficult to find specific
information. Moreover the large number of inferior artists makes the
overview small and the disinformation large. There are a number of
downloadable books on the internet. These are an excellent basis to
acquire basic knowledge. Just reading is not enough. I studied them
five times before the fog cleared. These books are on top of the link
section.
Which type of gasifier do you want to build? As simple as possible,
without pre-heating of primary air, with simple gas cleaning and using
scrap parts? Possible. Do not expect a high speed or a long-lived unit,
but it is possible. Or immediately a state or the art stainless steel
gasifier? Also possible, but you will need all of the before mentioned
qualities.
Now that you have sucked up a huge amount of knowledge and know what
the goals are, you must buy yourself a vehicle first. A strong car,
which can carry the weight. Sufficient space under the hood for
filters, mixer and tubing. A mechanically adjustable distributor,
unless you can hack the ECU’s and rewrite the software. A big
lung engine with low rpm and sufficient power reserve at 3000 rpm. A
small car with a small engine cannot be used. The whole gasifier unit
for 1200 cc four cylinder is not five times smaller compared
to a
5.7 liter V-8. More like half the size. The little car cannot
carry that. And a small car with a small engine needs the most power to
keep up with other traffic. It has no reserves.
It sounds tempting to use a turbo charged car. The turbo, however, is
between the gas/air mixer and the intake manifold. A strong vacuum
appears in the turbo when the gas pedal is in idling position. The
seals of the turbo will be damaged and leak oil into the engine.
A supercharged engine is very well possible. Although the maximum
engine speed is limited to about 3,000 rpm, there will be less or no
power decrease.
The modern vehicles will meet only partial the requirements. Cars from
the seventies and eighties are more suitable. An American pickup truck
is ideal. A large European car is also possible. Trailers are good to
keep the extra weight away from the car, but are more cumbersome to
drive. Choices, choices .......
Perhaps you work in or have access to a machine shop. That is ideal to
start the project. But ones own workshop is always necessary. Lathe,
column drill, angle grinder and welding machine are the minimum
equipment.
Basic calculations
This is a tough and dull paragraph. But also the basis of an Imbert gas
generator. Therefore an important paragraph. I will not
explain
how the formulas have come about. For that you need to study the
literature. This is only a summary.
We start with the most important formula, which is nevertheless
difficult to find in literature: the calculation of the quantity of required gas.
The dimensions of all important components of the whole gasifier unit
are based on this. This is it:
G = V x n x 0.5
x 0.48 x 0.72 [l/s]
60
G is the needed quantity of gas in liters per second
V is the engine displacement in liters
n is the rpm
0.5 is the four stroke factor
0.48 is the mixture composition (1: 1.1)
0.72 is the filling degree of the engine (assumption)
60 for the conversion to seconds
Example: G = 2.32
x 2,750 x 0.5 x 0.48 x 0.72 = 18.4 [liter cold gas per
second]
60
This quantity of gas is sucked by the engine every second. These are
the numbers which I have used for my Volvo: 2,320 cc and 2,750 rpm, a
little under 3,000. It is better to dimension the generator too small
than too large. A generator which generally is used under its nominal
capacity, can produce tar. Certainly when slow driving in town or on
long idling.
Next calculation is the determination of the diameter of the restriction.
We assume thereby a superficial gas speed through the restriction of
2.5 [m/s]. I foresee now glaring looks, but you will encounter this
number in the literature also, study therefore!
d = square root from (4/pi x G/Vi)
d is the restriction diameter
pi is 3.142
G is quantity of cold gas per second
Vi is the superficial velocity being: 2.5 [m/s] = 25 [dm/s] for an
Imbert
Example: d = square root from ((4/3,142) x (18,4/25)) = 0.97 [dm] = 97
[mm]
This is an important dimension, because it determines all other dimensions of the hearth.
These measures can be calculated, but I will not bother you with that.
They depend entirely on which type of Imbert you want to build. For
this reason I refer to the tables in the literature. With the
restriction diameter you can read the remaining dimensions in the
tables.
For a simple Imbert with V-hearth use the tables in the
“Handbook
or biomass downdraft gasifier systems”. Tables for gasifiers
with
effective primary air pre-heating can be found in FAO 72. And as the
attentive student notices, the literature is not always uniform. That
is not a big problem, certainly not if you ensure that nozzles and
restriction are interchangeable. Nozzles that are adjustable in length
and a height adjustable restriction by means of shims.
Tubing diameters
depend
on the gas quantity, but also on the temperature. In most tubing, we
want a laminar flow (< 5 m/s). In some tubing we need a
turbulent
flow(> 6 m/s). Unfortunately turbulence raises the pressure drop
in
the system and reduces the filling degree and with that, engine power
output.
To determine the tubing diameter, we first calculate the gas flow in
liters per second. “We had that number already?!”
you will
notice; indeed, the quantity of cold gas. But since the gas is hot, an
increase of volume occurs. We recalculate this flow using a conversion
in Kelvin. 0 degrees Celsius are 273 Kelvin. 350 degrees Celsius are
273 + 350 = 623 Kelvin. 18.4 [l/s] at 350 degrees becomes:
(623/273) x 18.4 = 42.0 [l/s]
See, that asks for a wider tube! Those 350 degrees is the temperature
of the gas which comes out of the generator of the Volvo. Because the
gas has internally exchanged energy with primary air by effective
double heat exchangers, this temperature is rather low. Without heat
exchangers, the temperature would be 600 to 700 degrees. So pay
attention, which type of Imbert you want to use.
In the tube after the generator, we want a turbulent gas stream, to
avoid settling of dust particles in the tube. Take 10 [m/s] =100 [dm/s]
Diameter pipe D = gas flow/gas speed = 42.0/100 = 0.42 [dm2] = 4,200
[mm2]
Pipe diameter d = square root ((4 x 4,200) /pi) = 73 [mm]
76.1 is x 1.5 [mm] or 3” is existing tube and fits very well.
After the filtering we want a laminar flow to avoid much resistance and
power loss. So, up to 5 [m/s]. In practice you use the same size tubing
in the whole system; in my situation, 76.1 x 1.5 mm.
Downstream
the gas decreases in temperature, shrinks and automatically a lower
speed is obtained. Better a too wide than a too tight tube.
In the “Handbook or biomass downdraft gasifier
systems” a chapter has been dedicated to the cyclone.
Also the website of Bill Pentz is very instructive. Take into account
that a slim cyclone removes also a large part of the fine dust. A too
generous sized cyclone has less resistance, but only removes the coarse
particles. Take an entrance speed in the cyclone of 25 to 30
meters per second, taking the temperature of the gas into account.
Calculation of the entrance diameter is the same as before on tubing
diameters. The remaining dimensions can be calculated or derived from
the above mentioned documents.
For the glass-fibre
filter surface area is a formula:
Af = 1.5 x V [m2]
Af is filter surface area in [m2]
V engine displacement in [litre]
For the Volvo:
Af = 1.5 x 2.32 = 3.5 [m2]
I must admit that it has become less: 2.8 [m2].
Also for the total
cooling area
there is a directive. With “total cooling area” I
mean all
surfaces which are in contact with the open air, therefore also the
tubing. The filter barrel has been insulated, therefore that does not
count. Of course, the cooler itself has the most surface area. The
directive is:
Ak = V x n x 1.25 [m2]
Ak is the cooling area in [m2]
V engine displacement in [litres]
n is the rpm divided by thousand
For the Volvo:
Ak = 2.32 x 2.75 x 1.25 = 8.0 [m2]
In practice it is difficult to realise. For this reason I have chosen
for a cyclone, an apparatus which not only filters, but because of the
very high gas speeds and the high gas temperatures, cools
extraordinarily well with a relatively small surface. The gas tube,
coming from the filter barrel, is finned, so that the out coming gases
of approximately 100 degrees Centigrade are cooled down to 40 degrees
over a length of only 70 cm, so it is under the dew point. Water
condenses in the tube before it heads under the trunk towards the
engine. An additional advantage is that possible mineral deposits are
rinsed to the cooler.
The cooler itself can best be made of thin walled stainless steel tubes
with a diameter of 15 to 25 mm. Gas always goes up in the cooler. Or up
by two third of the tubes and down by a third. Up, because of the
earlier-mentioned flush effect. The condensate rinses down along the
tube wall, also cleaning the dry part. The reason for two third up and
one third down is the warmer, expanded gas going in. While being
cooled, the volume shrinks and less tubes are needed for the same gas
speed. A slight turbulent flow is best for heat exchanging.
Practical tips
and tricks
First think well where to put the gasifier. The whole unit behind the
trunk is not possible because it is too heavy. Mount the cooler in
front of the car if possible. The delivery tube can pre-cool the gas,
thus making the cooler more efficient. A generator weighs 60-100
kilograms. Empty. Hot filter barrel up to 50 kilograms when
sufficiently large and insulated. Frame: 20-30 kilograms. Before
purchasing the car, pay attention to the chassis. You need to attach
the frame somewhere sturdy.
The trunk can also be used when it is large enough. Accessibility to
the lower parts must be possible, without cutting big parts out of the
trunk bottom. Pay attention to ventilation! Take care that no gases
ventilate into the interior. Carbon monoxide is poisonous! Be sure that
the back seat has an airtight seal to the trunk when a gasifier is put
in. A trailer simplifies the construction, but has
disadvantages
in the city. Moreover it reduces the top speed.
The welding must be carried out tidy and neat. Not particularly for a
fancy appearance, but to prevent leaks and cracks. Notice that heat
expansion of metal sheets can be eliminated, especially when preheat
mantles are used.
Leaks are the woodgasser’s biggest enemy. In the generator
itself, leaking air burns up the gas partly, the result being poor gas
and an overheated generator. For this reason always have a temperature
gauge on the out coming gas tube. Preferably readable from the drivers
seat.
A monorator is recommended, because wood is never entirely dry. See the
link section. The outside mantle is exposed to acid condensation from
the wood. Use corrosion-durable material.
The grate is shaken from the drivers seat. A vacuum gauge on the out
coming gas tube indicates when to shake. Furthermore a vacuum meter
after the filter barrel and after the final filter. Of course mounted
on the dashboard.
Seal flanges with high temperature silicone sealant. Lids and hatches
with silicone baking mats. Axles with graphite cord. Duct tape can lie
in the car as emergency.
Not as final solution. Start your project out well immediately.
Starting with making a mess with the idea of making it tidy later,
always fails.
There are several ways to filter. The best one is the most extensive:
cyclone and glass-fibre screen filter. Without a cyclone it is possible
too, e.g. if the cyclone cools the gas too much. This way of dry
filtering can only be done when tar free gas is produced. Otherwise the
filter fabric plugs and is ruined. Always put in a metal sheet to have
the gas bounce against. Thus you prevent a glowing particle to burn a
hole in the fabric. If your are not convinced of the gas quality and
suspect tars, use wet filtering. See literature.
The blower can be on different spots. When you choose for a sucking
fan, then have it as close as possible to the engine. The disadvantage
is that the first, cold, wet gas is sucked through the filter train.
Glass-fibre filtering and sucking fans are not compatible. For this
reason a pushing blower is better, also because these do not get
polluted fins. Only vane pumps and narrow centrifugal fans (vacuum
cleaner) qualify. Squirrel cage fans produce insufficient pressure or
vacuum. Never use a sucking fan when the gas also has to pass the
motor. You can image what happens when a small leak mixes air with the
gas and passes the sparking motor…
I use a vacuum cleaner from the seventies that can also blow. However,
the thing needs a 4000 Watt inverter. But yeah, you never know where
230 Volt aboard is good for…
For cooling use piping as much as possible, fixed and better
too
large of a diameter than too small. If possible fit the tube under the
rear axle, instead of going over. Otherwise you get a water lock where
the tube goes up. At the engine a water lock in inevitable. Put in a
drain to a condensate tank. Piping over the roof and sides is ugly,
cumbersome to make and has sharp edges. The only advantage is that no
water lock before the engine is expected.
The cooler is most efficient far away from the generator. Then the
delivery tube towards the cooler works efficient despite its small
surface. Always ask the national road association if a cooler in the
front is allowed. Some countries don’t, because it can wound
pedestrians severely. I mounted the cooler between front axle and
bumper, sloped upward.
A reheater after the cooler dries the moist gas. The gas from the
cooler is still 100% humid. We do not want to have it pass the final
filter and enter the engine this way. That is why hot coolant heats the
gas about 10 degrees Centigrade.
The final filter is meant to catch the soot in case the glass-fibre
filter fails. Do not use a paper filter, because it absorbs moist on
standstill. Cold starts supply even more water and a huge pressure drop
over the filter will decrease engine power. Household fibre material is
excellent material for the final filter. An oil bath filter is also
possible.
Well, the gas/air mixer…..
Enough examples are showed in the literature. I walked a whole
different route. Unfortunately for you, I keep that information secret
for the time being. Most other woodgassers need one hand to control the
mixture manually. I have both hands free for starting and driving. The
mixer is automatic and self-regulating.
For building a stainless steel gasifier, I refer to the book of Vesa
Mikkonen in the link section. It has 300 pages with detailed
information. There is nothing for me to add. For someone who wants
build a decent gasifier, it is worth its weight in gold. It contains
drawings and both practical and experienced information. Also
recommendable if a less sophisticated gasifier is to be built.
For building a functional gasifier, using second hand materials, I
refer to the site of Stig-Erik Werner. However, for the nozzles use
drilled stud bolts for length adjustment. A stainless steel nut,
drilled to the right diameter, welded to the bolt as a tip. A flange
between the hopper and generator makes maintenance easier.
Jim Mason has developed a simple, but very effective gasifier and sells
them. Buy it ready welded or as loose parts. Drawings for free to
download.
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