[Gasification] ICM and gasifiers with multiple outcomes

[Peter & Kerry Davies]

Tom & list,

That the ICM plant shut down was already physically on site and working 
is of concern.

Certainly our view and experience is that functional gasification 
systems should be capable of multiple outputs where required. The 
successful trial at a sawmill Real Power Systems have just completed was 
certainly based on this concept, with clean producer gas and high 
quality char as the products from the gasifier, a secondary pyrolysis 
retort using the producer gas also produced torrefied sawdust for a 
briquetting trial for a specific end use, so perhaps in combination 
could be described as a hybrid plant.

We have found multiple barriers to gasifier uptake, not many of which 
are technical. The ICM experience perhaps more closely highlights that 
projects must have sound economics to be sustainable,  starting with 
better outcomes than "business as usual" as a minimum. However local 
politics and vested interests in maintaining existing business 
arrangements (particularly in established waste management practice) can 
present unexpected challenges.

Wishing everyone a safe and happy festive season.

Peter Davies
for
RPS



Peter, It is a highly functional gasifier that makes two good products ? 
gas and biochar - in variable proportions. As you know it is a challenge 
just to sell a gasifier in energy markets that are dominated by low cost 
natural gas. I had previously understood that the 200 tpd gasifier 
referred to in the article was a pilot facility that was owned and 
operated by ICM. However, it appears that it might have also been 
operated on trial by the county as a means of wood waste reduction and 
the term ran out. That?s pure speculation but it was not generating heat 
or power for a customer. Tom

From: Gasification 
[mailto:gasification-bounces at lists.bioenergylists.org] On Behalf Of 
Peter Mason Sent: Saturday, December 22, 2012 6:35 AM To: 
gasification at lists.bioenergylists.org Subject: Re: [Gasification] 
Gasification Digest, Vol 28, Issue 7

Just curious - is the ICM technology based on gasification or pyrolysis? 
Maybe this just highlights the fact that you cannot expect any single 
technology to deliver multiple outcomes. Peter Mason. A problem well 
defined is a problem half solved and always start with the end in mind. 
Mason & Associates. Renewable Energy Project Developers. pmason at telus.net