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set of examples for practice". This is in fact an appropriate title since the
b o o k is divided into chapters which deal with the history of gas producer
engines, chemistry o f gasification of rice hulls, physical properties o f rice
hulls, physical appearance o f rice hulls under thermal decomposition, tar
cracking, pellet fuel bed, and design considerations. As this would indicate,
it is a very detailed report o f experimental investigations on gasification of
rice hulls -- a notoriously difficult material to work with. The conclusions
set o u t at the front are of particular significance: "...only two ways of
gasification o f rice hulls seem to be technically feasible and promising in
the requested range o f 20--130 kWel:
1. An open core d o w n d r a f t gas producer with no throat and a slowly ro-
tating grate for ash removal. The limiting factor for this sytem is certainly
the diameter of the reactor which should not be below 40 cm due to the
caking of rice hulls.
2. Gasification of rice hulls in pelletized form. Although the densification
o f rice hulls is difficult and expensive it allows their gasification in smaller
reactors due to a more stable fuel b e d . "
Although not everyone will have rice hulls to hand this book contains
quite a lot of information o f relevance to the gasification o f other silica-
rich particulate biomass residues such as chopped straw, presented in over
150 illustrations or figures and some 25 tables. It is well-referenced. Presenta-
tion is odd, and hence I assume low-cost, resulting in a justified t y p e d
t e x t produced in an aubergine colour on a grey paper. However, even the
scanning micrographs and photographs survive this process. In all an extensive
report on a process which could make a significant contribution to the
energy needs of many developing regions. It is recommended reading for
those engaged in small scale gasifier research and development.

J. COOMBS
Bio-Services, King's College London
68 Half Moon Lane, London SE24 9JF, Great Britain

BIOMASS GASIFICATION IN DEVELOPING COUNTRIES

Biornass Gasification in D e v e l o p i n g Countries. Gerald Foley and Geoffery

Barnard. Earthscan, London, 1983. 174 pp., US$20. ISBN 0-905347-39-0.

This 174-page technical report presents the process of gasification as a

rebirth of an old, but n o t forgotten craft that may provide an alternative
source o f energy to developing countries. An economic analysis is presented
based on available petroleum costs, gasifier costs, biomass fuel costs and
availability, coupled with available technical expertise. The gasification
processes presented are primarily extensions of m e t h o d s used through
World War II.
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The report is divided into three sections. Part 1 gives a general appraisal
of gasifiers and presents the main conclusions of this study. Part 2 contains
information on the economics, applications and current status of applicable
gasifier technology. In this section, gasifiers are classified according to the
capital cost per kilowatt. The categories include U.S.-European gasifiers at
costs o f $ 4 0 0 - - 1 0 0 0 p e r kW as compared to Brazil-Philippine gasifiers at
costs of $50--100 per kW. The section highlights two major gasification
programs in Brazil and the Philippines emphasizing growing commercial
markets for gasifiers and their use in the generation of electricity. Clearly
presented figures and tables correlate gasifier break-even points with diesel
fuel in regard to over-all costs and allows for ease o f comparison. The econ-
omics of direct heating systems are also covered, along with potential ap-
plications in shaft-power producing, rural electrification, and irrigation
pumping.
Part 3 is an overview of the types of gasifiers produced and discusses
the characteristics o f each type, plus the advantages and disadvantages
associated with connecting these sytems to shaft-powered and direct-heating
systems. The report does n o t hide the fact that gasifier operations, especially
those associated with the production o f electricity and gasifier manufacture,
have definite technical support requirements. It stresses that safety and
training are major concerns in the implementation of a widespread gasifica-
tion program. It further discusses the problems related to adequate fuel
supplies, primarily w o o d or charcoal, and the impact that widespread use
o f gasifiers in an area of limited organic resources could have on the local
environment.
The strength of this publication is in its emphasis on providing a basic
understanding of gasifier technology and its possible uses in developing
countries. For someone just getting involved with gasifiers or one wanting
a basic understanding o f these systems, this is an excellent source. It explains
the basic ideas and technology involved with gasifiers. The easily read charts
and graphs allow it to be a p r i m a r y decision-making tool.
The weakness of this publication lies in its lack of information in regards
the engineering technology associated with gasifier design and production.
Including a chapter on this would have given the publication broader appeal
and would have allowed third world countries to seriously consider gasifica-
tion as an alternative energy supply.
In conclusion, this report provides a good beginning study for someone
interested in the use of gasifiers for energy production. This publica-
tion should be considered as a useful and significant contribution to ex-
panding the knowledge and subsequent use o f gasification and is therefore
r e c o m m e n d e d as an introductory text on gasifiers.

W I L L I A M J. T R E A T a n d J A M E S F. P R O C H A S K A
Agricultural Engineering Department, Texas A & M University
College Station, TX 77843-2117, U.S.A.