SUITABILITY ANALYSIS OF RESIDUAL BIOMASS IN COLOMBIA FOR GASIFICATION IN FLUIDIZED BED

In Colombia a wide range of biomass is available and a high rate of residual biomass is generated from the main economic activities. The implementation of efficient technologies for energy conversion processes depends in large extent on the adequate study and selection of the biomass. In Colombia, only little experience have been made in fluidization of biomass, the implementation of the technology requires accurate information that allows a feasibility evaluation of the process for each type of biomass. In the present work, an initial stage has been focused on the availability, accessibility and technical suitability of a number of residual materials that can be found in the country; environmental and social aspects have been considered in some extent depending on the available information. Biomass of four different types was taken under consideration, agriculture, livestock, forestry and urban waste. This first screening has resulted in a short list of materials of interest for which the calculation of the theoretical and technical energy potential was done. Twelve residual biomasses are identified to be technically suitable and available in Colombia for their use in thermochemical conversion processes in fluidized beds. The results make possible a second screening of materials, selected materials will be analyzed for fluid-dynamical and thermochemical characterization.