FEMA_Emergency_Gassifer.PDF

ABSTRACT: CONSTRUCTION OF A SIMPLIFIED WOOD GAS

GENERATOR FOR FUELING INTERNAL COMBUSTION ENGINES IN A

PETROLEUM EMERGENCY

H. LaFontaine, G. P. Zimmerman

This report is one in a series of emergency technology assessments sponsored by the

Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA). The purpose of this report is to develop

detailed, illustrated instructions for the fabrication, installation, and operation of a biomass

gasifier unit (i.e., a 'producer gas' generator, also called a "wood gas' generator) that is capable of

providing emergency fuel for vehicles, such as tractors and trucks, in the event that normal

petroleum sources were severely disrupted for an extended period of time. These instructions

have been prepared as a manual for use by any mechanic who is reasonably proficient in metal

fabrication or engine repair. This report attempts to preserve the knowledge about wood

gasification that was put into practical use during World War II. Detailed, step-by-step

fabrication procedures are presented for a simplified version of the World War II, Embowered

wood gas generator. This simple, stratified, downdraft gasifier unit can be constructed from

materials that 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 small metal

drum; common plumbing fittings throughout; and a large, stainless steel mixing bowl 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.