ABSTRACT
Producer gas is generated by the pyrolysis and partial oxidation of biomass sources such as wood and crop residues. The economy of producer gas depends on whether the additional capital costs for gasifier equipment can be offset by the reduction of fuel costs made possible by the switch from petroleum fuel to biomass fuel. Biomass fuel for gasifiers can be obtained from an energy plantation, as a residue from forestry or agriculture, or can be extracted from a natural forest. The gas is combustible, thus if it is mixed with air and ignited in a closed vessel or pipe system a damaging explosion may occur. The high content of carbon monoxide makes the gas highly toxic. The organic vapours present in the gas include a number of substances which are considered harmful to the environment and/or carcinogenic. A gasification plant will always generate solid residue and combustion products.
