Characterization and Gasification using- Jatropha Curcas Seed Cake

Abstract

This paper deals with investigation on Jatropha seed cake (non edible de-oiled cake) for thermo chemical conversion processes (combustion, gasification) for thermal application. Physical and chemical characteristics analysis on seed cake were done and the data has been reported in this paper. The thermal gravimetric analysis (TGA) has been done on it using a thermal analyzer from room temperature to 1000°C in air, nitrogen atmosphere at a heating rate of 20°C/min. It showed that it took temperature of 243°C for ignition and there was a very little fraction of thermal decomposition occurred after 530°C with burn out residues of 11.68% in air atmosphere. Gasification studies were conducted with laboratory model downdraft gasifier using Jatropha seed cake for thermal application. The performance of the feedstock was determined by measuring gasifier zone temperature sensing with thermocouple throughout the main zones of the gasifier, at the gasifier outlet and also the flame temperature of the producer gas at burner. The maximum temperature of the bottom flame was recorded as 910° C and the flame length was about from 1ft to 1.5 ft with yellowish colour. The studies revealed that it is a good feed stock for gasification and combustion. Because of its fuel characteristics this can be compared with other woody biomasses.