Some studies on gasification of cashew shell char and dual fuelling of cashew shell char based producer gas in compression ignition engines

Abstract

With ongoing depletion of conventional fossil fuel reserves and associated environmental concerns there is a renewed interest in the utilization of biomass for supplementing the energy requirements Amongst different types of biomass special attention is being focused on agricultural residues known for its decentralized and perennial availability Selection of a particular biomass as a major fuel for meeting one s energy requirements are largely influenced by its availability seasonality heating value pre processing requirements competing uses and prevailing fossil fuel prices India is the largest producer processor and exporter of Cashews Over 65 of the world export of cashew kernels is accounted for by India Cashews upon processing for recovery of cashew kernels generate Cashew Nut Shell as by product The CNS formed as a protective layer of the kernel is leathery in nature and has a thickness of about 3 5 mm constituting about 65 by weight of the raw nut The calorific value of CNS is quantitatively equivalent to that of typical Indian coal These shells possess a soft honey comb structure embracing a dark reddish brown viscous liquid termed Cashew Nut Shell Liquid