For the use of biomass, which is distributed widely and shallowly, as energy, it is a major challenge to secure the collection and transportation of materials. The efficient use of biomass resources requires the efficient conversion of a small amount of biomass to energy in the site where it is generated and the realization of "local production for local consumption." We are involved in the development of small and simple two-stage gasification equipment that can solve these challenges. Specifically, with the two-stage gasification process, biomass is pyrolyzed and the volume is reduced in a rotary kiln type pyrolysis furnace that can accept a relatively wide range of shapes and moisture contents, and the carbide generated as the residue of the pyrolysis is gasified to improve the gasification efficiency. These processes are integrated in a compact unit for downsizing and cost reduction as well as the achievement of high efficiency. We report the outline of the development and the results of earlier tests and research.
