Q12.
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:
Answer
A
Explanation
Statement 1 is correct: Coconut shells, groundnut shells, rice husk, and other agricultural residues can indeed be used in biomass gasification. Statement 2 is incorrect: In gasification process, organic material is converted into methane, carbon monoxide, hydrogen, and carbon dioxide — not just hydrogen and carbon dioxide. The resulting gas mixture is called Syngas or Producer Gas. Statement 3 is incorrect: Syngas is combustible and often used as fuel of internal combustion engines or as an intermediate for production of other chemicals.