Utilization of Arecanut (Areca catechu) husk for gasification

Gasification of areca husk was studied in this research. The husk is an agricultural by-product of Arecanut (Areca catechu ) that could be a potential energy source for the processing of the nut. The problem of slagging during arecanut gasification was investigated using a throat-less, lab-scale downdraft gasifier. The effect of air flow rates from 0.001 to 0.006 m3/s on slag formation was studied. With increase of air flow rate, the clinker formation was found to increase (r2 = 0.7191). Subsequent studies consisted of washing the husk to remove external contaminants picked up during sun drying of the husk on ground. Husk samples were washed using water and were gasified to study the slag formation. Statistical analysis of clinker formation between washed and unwashed samples showed that the variation was significant. Ash and clinkers constituents were analyzed and their composition showed typical elements and oxides enhancing deposition problems. The alkali index calculated from ash composition indicates that slagging is practically certain to occur during thermochemical conversions of areca husk.