gasifikaation

Gasification is a thermochemical process that converts carbon-containing materials, such as coal, biomass, or plastic waste, into a synthesis gas, also known as syngas. This syngas is primarily composed of carbon monoxide (CO) and hydrogen (H2), along with smaller amounts of other gases like carbon dioxide (CO2), methane (CH4), and nitrogen (N2). The process typically occurs at high temperatures, generally between 700°C and 1600°C, in an oxygen-controlled or steam-controlled environment.

During gasification, the feedstock undergoes partial oxidation and pyrolysis. Pyrolysis is the thermal decomposition of the material in the absence of oxygen, breaking it down into volatile gases, char, and ash. The subsequent partial oxidation, where a limited amount of oxygen or steam is introduced, reacts with the char and volatile gases to produce the desired syngas. The specific composition of the syngas can be adjusted by controlling the gasification temperature, pressure, and the ratio of gasifying agent (oxygen or steam) to feedstock.

The syngas produced from gasification is a versatile fuel and a valuable chemical intermediate. It can be used directly as a fuel for power generation in gas turbines or internal combustion engines. Alternatively, it can be further processed to produce electricity and heat through combined heat and power (CHP) systems. More significantly, syngas can be converted into a wide range of commercially valuable products, including liquid fuels like methanol and synthetic gasoline, as well as chemicals such as ammonia and hydrogen. This makes gasification a key technology in the development of a circular economy and for producing cleaner fuels and chemicals from diverse feedstocks.