Abstract

                               An innovative prototype design of paddy straw biomass combustor with pilot fuel injection system has been developed and tested for boiling of water at domestic level. The innovation of mixing pilot fuel (diesel) intermittently (in small quantity) with blower air helped in flame sustainability to achieve complete combustion. A cylindrical furnace with conical top was designed for exit of flue gas from the top where a vessel containing 2 L of water was placed, which started boiling within 3 min and used for making tea. Experimental trials showed that each 3 kg bale took about 6-7 min for complete burning by achieving the flue gas temperature between 329 and 354°C. During the 8-10 h operation, the designed combustor had the potential for boiling rice and pulses at domestic level. The combustor could heat 40L of water per hour by utilizing about 250 kg of paddy straw and 120 ml of pilot fuel.

Key words : Bale, Combustor, Forced draft, Grate shaker, Paddy straw, Pilot fuel