How to Build a Gasifier
- Gasifier Experimenters Kit (GEK)
- Quadrafier (4 in 1)
- Gas-can-o-fire
- Cigifier
- GMC truck
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Gasification Workshop #2: GEK Building and Honda Accord conversion
Gasification Lecture and Demo: Thurs, June 12, 7:30-9:30PM
Build Days: 4 Saturdays (June 14, 21, 28 and July 5), 11am - 7pm
Cost: $350 (or free with purchase of a GEK kit, Level II or higher)
The recently lauched Gasifier Experimenters Kit (GEK) grew out of the first Gasification Workshop, held at the Shipyard in Spring in 07. See here for pictures and report.
Now that we have an easy to assemble and well performing kit, the next Gasification Workshop will focus on building these kits and documenting their performance over various configurations, fuels and use scenarios. We will be using our new 6 gas sensing rig (see below), tar tester, thermocouples, moisture meters and other instrumentation to generate quantitative run data and resulting refinements.
The main group project will be using the GEK kit to convert a Honda Accord to run on walnut shells. The goal is a polished and automated installation that is acceptable as a daily driver. Maybe even something that's more interesting to look at than the previous effort . Towards this goal, we will be developing air/syngas mixture automation mechatronics, condensate/steam reinjection systems and other automated sensing and control devices.
Along side the Honda Accord project, participants are encouraged to build their own GEK for personal projects. Maybe you want to convert a vehicle, generator, forge, lawnmover, hot water heater, or fire art project. Or maybe a racer for the Escape from Berkeley (by any non-petroleum means) rally. Now's your chance. All tools and help needed to assemble the kits will be provided during the weekend build days. You will need to buy at least the Level II form of the kit, but not any of the assemly options. The workshop is FREE for anyone who purchases the material kit.
The workshop begins with an evening talk and discussion on the science of gasification a survey of its design and social history. Both beginning and expert reactor assemblies will be presented, with pointers to further reading and current issues and opportunities in the field. Also included is a basic introduction to biochar / Terra Preta and the related pyrolysis reactors.
