Equipment
Conversion technology
An overview of biomass energy technologies is available here.
Conversion process
There are a number of conversion processes available for extracting energy from biomass. The principal differences between a number of the processes arises from the amount of oxygen used in the process.
Combustion
- Combustion of waste biomass
- Biomass combustion technical standards
- Combustion of herbaceous biofuel
- Thermal treatment of waste
Fluidised bed combustion
Fluidised bed combustion is a combustion technology used to burn solid fuels. Fuel particles are suspended in a hot, bubbling fluidity bed of ash and other particulate materials (sand, limestone etc.) through which jets of air are blown to provide the oxygen required for combustion or gasification. More here
Pyrolysis
The pyrolysis (or devolatilization) process is the thermal decomposition of materials at elevated temperatures in an inert atmosphere. It involves a change of chemical composition. Pyrolysis of organic substances produces volatile products and leaves char, a carbon-rich, solid residue. More here
Gasification
Biomass gasification is a mature technology pathway that uses a controlled process involving heat, steam, and oxygen to convert biomass to hydrogen and other products, without combustion. More here
Torrefaction
Anaerobic digestion
Information on anaerobic digestion of organic matter is available on the biogas website here.
Fuel handling technology
Emissions control technology
under development