Frequently Asked Questions

The gas is called producer gas. Its combustible components typically include carbon monoxide (20–25% v/v), hydrogen (8–10% v/v), methane (2–4% v/v) and small quantities of higher gaseous hydrocarbons. It also contains carbon dioxide (8–10% v/v) and nitrogen (50–55% v/v). Its typical calorific value is approximately 1,200 kcal/m³, and flame temperatures above 1,000°C can be achieved.

A gasifier is a thermal reactor that converts biomass into gas using intense heat in an oxygen-starved atmosphere. Biomass enters at the top and moves toward the grate through drying, pyrolysis, controlled-combustion and reduction zones. These transitional zones ultimately produce producer gas and an ash/char mixture.

Applications requiring temperatures up to 900°C can normally use producer gas without changes to the existing system. With air preheating, requirements up to approximately 1,100°C can be met.

The reference value for power generation is approximately 1.5 kg of biomass per 1 kWh. This is indicative and depends on biomass moisture, calorific value, system design and application conditions.

Producer gas generated from suitable biomass does not contain sulphur or other comparable harmful fuel contaminants. Properly cleaned, dust-free producer gas can be used for direct-fired drying without affecting product quality.

No. Gasifiers have high thermal inertia, which supports stable gas production.

Biomass takes more than two hours to convert fully into producer gas. Small variations in fuel quality and characteristics are therefore averaged out, producing gas of relatively uniform quality.

Atmospheric conditions have negligible effect on gas quality as long as biomass quality—especially moisture content—is maintained.

Gasifiers can significantly reduce fuel costs by replacing expensive oil or gas with wood-based biomass. Wood prices are typically more stable than oil prices, helping stabilise production costs. Biomass is also treated as carbon-neutral when sustainably sourced, reducing net greenhouse-gas impact.

Suitable wood, wood chips and compatible densified biomass with maximum moisture of approximately 15% can be used. Lower moisture generally improves gasification efficiency.

Producer gas can be piped reasonable distances—up to about 400 feet according to the reference installation guidance—so the gasifier can be located away from the main work area. The burner area may be cleaner because there is no possibility of oil spillage.

The gasifier is normally installed where biomass can be stored and handled. The existing oven or furnace burner is replaced by an appropriately sized producer-gas burner, and high-pressure blowers transfer gas through piping to the point of use. Oven or furnace operation otherwise remains largely unchanged.

Oven temperature is controlled by regulating gas flow into the burner. Infinite gas burners use closed-loop controls to perform this regulation automatically.

The control system continuously regulates gas generation to match oven or furnace demand. If all connected burners are switched off, the gasifier turns down to its minimum load—approximately 30%—and the small quantity of gas produced is handled by the system’s flare burner.

Routine operator work consists mainly of periodic biomass feeding, ash removal and filter-media servicing. One trained technician is recommended for maintenance and troubleshooting. Infinite Energy trains this person in operation, controls and maintenance.

Gas pressure at the burner is very low, typically around 50 mmWC.

Gas temperature at the burner is normally at least 150°C and may reach approximately 250°C, depending on the distance from the gasifier.

Gas production begins within about 10 minutes. Approximately 75% capacity can be reached within 30 minutes and full capacity within one hour.

The gasifier can be shut down in approximately five minutes. A small amount of gas and water vapour may continue to be released and must be safely vented for a period after shutdown.

Scheduled maintenance twice each month is recommended for trouble-free, uninterrupted operation.

Scheduled maintenance typically takes six to eight hours.

The gasifier can be turned down to its minimum capacity of approximately 30%, with generated gas directed to the flare. This enables full gas availability again within about 10 minutes.

Any suitable wood species may be used, subject to three main requirements:

• Moisture content below approximately 15% by weight.
• Wood dimensions appropriate to the gasifier model; larger models may accept blocks up to 90 × 90 × 90 mm.
• Wood with excessive bark should be avoided because bark contains more ash and foreign matter.

Conductivity-based wood moisture meters are widely available and provide instantaneous readings.

Batch-type wood dryers can use waste wood as fuel and reduce wood moisture to as low as approximately 5%.

The answer depends on oven locations, piping complexity and individual capacities. If ovens are close together, piping is straightforward and total demand is within the available manufacturing range, one larger gasifier can serve multiple ovens.

Space depends on system capacity. As an example, the reference page states that a 1,000 kWth system replacing approximately 70 kg/h of furnace oil can occupy around 750 ft², with a further 750 ft² for wood storage and drying.

The reference delivery period is a maximum of three months from the date of order acceptance.

Installation typically takes approximately 15 days when required civil work is complete before installation begins. Piping time depends on site conditions, length and complexity.

The reference terms state 50% of the contract price as an advance when the order is placed, with the balance payable at dispatch. Contact Infinite Energy for the terms applicable to a current quotation.

The reference information states that no special approvals are required to the company’s knowledge. Applicable local factory, fire, pollution-control and safety requirements should always be confirmed for the specific site.

The legacy reference page describes an MNRE subsidy linked to installed thermal capacity and an application process involving a detailed project report, prior sanction and post-installation performance documentation. Subsidy programs and eligibility change over time; please verify current availability directly with MNRE or contact our team before making financial assumptions.

Hot system surfaces are insulated. A double-sluice fuel-feeding device reduces sparks and air ingress during refuelling, while nozzle covers help prevent risks associated with burner backfiring.

An explosive mixture can form if producer gas mixes with sufficient air. Infinite systems are designed so gas is not stored. Double-sluice feeding limits air entry during refuelling, and a cold gasifier should always be ventilated before fuel ignition.

Producer gas contains carbon monoxide and must be handled carefully. Gas escape during normal operation is less likely because the system works under suction, but start-up and shutdown require particular care. Installation in open air or a well-ventilated area prevents trapped gas accumulation. Site-specific safety procedures and gas monitoring must be followed.

Solid: Ash and dust are inert mineral matter; generation depends on feedstock and is generally below 6% for most woods.

Liquid: Infinite gasifiers use minimal water, principally for gas sealing. Because the system does not use water-based gas cooling, typical tar-contaminated cooling-water issues are avoided.

Gas: The reference typical emission composition is nitrogen 70%, oxygen 6%, carbon dioxide 14%, water vapour 9% and other components 1%.