FAQ

Q: How much wood (biomass) does it take to run a generator?
A: 20 pounds of wood is equal to 1 gallon of gas. A bag of pellets is 40 + pounds. One load will usually go for several hours or more.

Q: Is gasification eco-friendly?
A: Yes, the energy is made locally from waste streams such as wood and agricultural residue. It's carbon neutral. The remaining biochar is excellent as a soil amendment.

Q: Is this methane gas?
A: No, this is syngas. It's created under pyrolysis and not anaerobic digestion. Gasification is much faster.

Q: Can I run my house off the grid with this?
A: It depends on you. Are you going to crack and filter out any tars. Are you going to prepare your fuel in a uniform way? If you mind the details, then "Yes" you can run your house.

Q: How much power can I make?
A: Probably way more than you need. Gasification scales up in size much easier and cheaper than solar or wind. 10 kw would be easy with off the shelf parts.

Q: Can I gasify my household paper and yard waste?
A: If you pelletize it you can.

Q: How do I address tar formation?
A: Tars are best converted to energy above 1000 degrees centigrade in the combustion zone. Residual tars and soot should be filtered.

Q: Can I turn my wood gasification furnace into a gasifier to power engines?
A: I don't know and no one with a $10,000 furnace has had the balls to try it yet. My suspicion is that it wouldn't be ideal as an engine gas maker.