UPSC Prelims 2012 · Question 12 of 98

UPSC Prelims 2012 question on Biomass Gasification

Biomass gasification is considered to be one of the sustainable solutions to the power crisis in India. In this context, which of the following statements is/are correct?

1. Coconut shells, groundnut shells and rice husk can be used in biomass gasification.

2. The combustible gases generated consist of hydrogen and carbon dioxide only.

3. The combustible gases generated from biomass gasification can be used for direct heat generation but not in internal combustion engines.

Select the correct answer using the codes given below.

  1. 1 only
  2. 2 and 3 only
  3. 1 and 3 only
  4. 1, 2 and 3
Show answer

Answer: A. 1 only

Verdict

Correct Answer: 1 only

Only Statement 1 is correct because agricultural residues can be used in biomass gasifiers, while producer gas is not only hydrogen and carbon dioxide and can also be used in internal combustion engines.

Analysis

Biomass gasification converts organic biomass into a combustible gas mixture called producer gas or syngas. It is useful for decentralized heat and power generation.

Statement by statement

1. Coconut shells, groundnut shells and rice husk can be used — Correct

Biomass gasifiers can use many agricultural residues as feedstock.

Coconut shells, groundnut shells and rice husk are organic biomass materials and can be used for producing energy through gasification.

2. Combustible gases consist of hydrogen and carbon dioxide only — Incorrect

Producer gas is not made only of hydrogen and carbon dioxide.

Its combustible components mainly include carbon monoxide, hydrogen and methane. Carbon dioxide is present, but it is non-combustible. The word “only” makes the statement incorrect.

3. Used for direct heat but not in internal combustion engines — Incorrect

Producer gas can be used both for direct heating and for power generation.

It can run internal combustion engines with suitable modifications and cleaning of the gas.

Extra UPSC info

* Gasification involves heating biomass at high temperature in limited oxygen supply.

* It is partial oxidation, not complete combustion.

* Producer gas has lower calorific value than natural gas but is useful for rural and decentralized energy.

* Biomass gasification is considered relatively carbon-neutral because the carbon released was recently absorbed by plants.

* Tar and particulate matter in producer gas must be removed before use in engines.

* Biomass gasifiers support waste-to-energy and renewable energy goals.

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