Thermal degradation and gasification characteristics of Tung Shells as an open top downdraft wood gasifier feedstock

Tung (Aleurites Fordii) is cultivated in China, Argentina, Paraguay, Africa, India, and United States. Tung oil has various applications like as a drying agent for paints and varnishes, termite control as well as cleaning and polishing compounds. The Tung shell and de-oiled cake are residues after decortications of the Tung seeds. This paper has been aimed for thermal degradation and gasification of Tung shells. Thermal degradation of the Tung shell was carried out at heating rates of 10, 15, and 20 °C/min from room temperature to 750 °C under non-isothermal conditions, and N₂ was used as a carrier gas. Based on the thermogravimetric analysis and differential thermogravimetric analysis results, it was found that Tung shells have low thermal stability. These shells were gasified in the downdraft wood gasifier. The calorific value of producer gas was calculated to be 4.75 MJ/Nm³. The conversion efficiency of the gasifier for Tung shells was higher (93 %) as compared to the wood (84 %). The producer gas generated from shells could be used for heat and or power generation for rural areas. Also a solution to reduce the disposal problem of toxic Tung shells generated from oil expellers.