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Rice husk-powered Gasifier tested at mill
…in keeping with LCDS
As part of its continuing efforts to improve production and boost the rice industry, the Government has announced the launching of its first test run of a Gasifier, which produces alternative energy using rice husk, at an Essequibo
The Gasifier is expected to revitalise the rice industry.
Coast mill.
In a press release, the Ministry of Agriculture hailed the Gasifier’s potential for reducing cost and carbon emissions, and also pointed to its stabilizing effect on fossil fuel prices. The programme is in keeping with the goals of the Low Carbon Development Strategy.
On May 25th, 2011, the Government signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with The Energy and Resources Institute (TERI) in India to provide support, as Guyana implements its climate initiatives and the LCDS. It was under phase two of the proposed activities that technical studies in sectors such as rice, to achieve energy efficiency, reduce cost and carbon emission, were to be done.
During initial studies, TERI noted that under the energy cost component, direct expenses were over 35% in rice mills. The cost of energy accounts for close to US$15.50 per metric tonne of paddy processed. This was linked mainly to the use of diesel for power generation.
It was observed that some rice mills were using wood as fuel to meet thermal energy demand, but little use was being made of the rice husk. Due to the husk not being used, it becomes a serious environmental problem.
Energy efficient studies were done at six rice mills and for each mill, a best practice was developed. In phase two, energy audits were offered cost-free to all rice mills. During this, a pilot case study to use the Gasifier (a conventional boiler/turbine combination) to produce power to meet heat and power requirements was installed. From that project, a bankable model was developed.
Ramlakhan and Sons rice mill, located at Exmouth, Essequibo Coast, was the first to take the initiative by purchasing a gasification plant. The plant arrived late last year and the installation and successful testing has already been completed. The plant works by the gasses derived from the rice husk. The gases emitted are cleaned of solid particles, tar/carbon and water/moisture, and directed into the combustion chambers of a 250 kW powergen set, replacing 70 per cent of the diesel required to run the genset.
Ramlakhan was quoted in the release as hailing the Gasifier, stating that it would greatly reduce his energy costs, improve his market viability and also allow him to keep paying a competitive price to farmers for their paddy, making sure they stay profitable.
Energy management and conservation is an important tool to ensure the rice industry meets its critical objectives for short term and long term goals. Enhanced energy efficient technologies for design and profits of rice mills have been identified to improve energy efficiency, lower the industry’s dependence on fossil fuel, reduce the environmental impact, reduce carbon emission and lower cost of production.
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