Biomass by Tony Green

We have all been using biomass for centuries. Do you remember roasting marsh-mellows over an open fire while camping? What was occurring is the energy which stored in the log was being released by burning. The wood within the log was formed through photosynthesis resulting from the sun’s energy being stored in the chemical bonds of the log. The result was the feeling of warmth and a damned tasty marsh-mellow.
Simply defined, biomass is all plant material, or vegetation, raw or processed, wild or cultivated. Examples include wood and agricultural waste and crop residue. As a source it is not so important about the type of biomass which goes in but the fact many types of these resources are for the most part discarded. And more importantly what comes out from these wood based materials and how it can be used to help solve our energy problems.
How is biomass processed? There are three ways to process biomass. The first one is Gasification in which biomass is heated without oxygen. The process converts the biomass to a mixture of CO and H2 which is called “Syngas” for synthetic gas. The gas mixes with oxygen without difficulty and is burned in turbines to generate electricity in a fashion similar to natural gas. Additionally the gas can be converted with ease to other fuels, chemicals, and valuable materials.
The second method of processing is Pyrolysis in which the bio-material is heated under high temperature and high pressure all while carefully controlling the air supply. The result is up to 75% of biomass being converted to liquid which is can be used in engines, turbines, or boilers.
The last method is referred to as anaerobic digestion in which the biomass is decomposed with micro-organisms in closed tanks known as anaerobic digesters. This process produces methane (natural gas), CH4 and carbon dioxide, CO2. Methane-rich biogas can be used as fuel or as a base chemical for bio-based products.
Regardless of the method the key is the biomass which until now would have been wasted can now be utilized to produce electricity or some other valuable by product. Consider the possibilities the next time you go camping.