Construction of a Simplified Wood Gas Generator for Fueling Internal Combustion Engines in a Petroleum Emergency

Final Report by H. LaFonlalne, Biomass Energy foundation, Int. Miami. Florida Federal Emergency Management Agency Washington, DC, 2W72 This report has been reviewed In The Federal Emergency Management Agency and approved for publication. Approval does nal signify that Ihe conients necessarify \\\ views and policies of the Federal Emergency Managemenl Agency. Date Published: March 1989. 90 p. Approved for Public Release: Distribution Unlimited. ABSTRACT Downdraft gasifier unit can be constructed from materials which would be widely available in the United States in a prolonged petroleum crisis. For example, the body of the unit consists of a galvanized metal garbage can atop a smallmetal drum; common plumbing fittings are used throughout; and a large, stainless steel mixing bowl is used for the grate. The entire compact unit was mounted onto the front of a farm tractor and successfully field tested, using wood chips as the only fuel. Photographic documentation of the actual assembly of the unit as well as its operation is included.