Energetic exploitation of vine shoot by gasification processes -: A preliminary study

In this study the energy potential generated by the biomass remnants of vine shoot produced in Extremadura (Spain) by a gasification process is evaluated. The raw material was characterised by elemental and proximate analysis, its Higher Heating Value (HHV) being evaluated as well. In order to determine the optimal gasification temperature for the production of gases, the vine shoots were treated at different temperatures, i.e., 650, 700, 750 and 800 degrees C in air atmosphere. The optimal temperature (800 degrees C) was selected and the vine shoot remnants were gasified in air stream (200 mL min(-1)) and for different times (8 and 50 min). The yield of the so-obtained phases was calculated and the study was focused on solid and gaseous phases. The solid phase was characterised by elemental and proximate analysis as well as by HHV In order to determine their properties as precursors of activated carbons, the adsorption isotherms of N-2 at 77 K were measured. Finally, the electric power that could be obtained by a combustion process in a vapor boiler was calculated. (c) 2006 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.