The BRI facility is a commercially operated testing operation providing the analysis of gasified biomass fuels in various quantities, blends and compositions to optimize fuel performance and determine project viability.  The biomass gasification testing process is performed to determine operation metrics related to fuel handling, fuel quality, long term equipment performance, and emissions controls of the sample fuel in AESI’s gasification technology.

To achieve this goal progressive levels of effort are conducted. Focus first is on characterizing the waste material’s composition and fuel characteristics. (While existing data is helpful it is normally a good idea to run tests on properly obtained samples which are representative subsets of the site stock proposed. AESI will not make performance guarantees on atypical fuels without this testing).

The final and most involved analysis, a gasification trial, evaluates the performance of the feedstock in an actual modulated setting over a specified period of time. Combustion settings generally occur with equipment turndown for evaluation required in the beginning, middle and end of the test scenario. As such, a block including front end analytical and equipment downtime generally spans several days.

To determine the suitability of proposed biomass waste streams and or blends as biomass fuel (feedstock) sources, AESI evaluates the feedstock for multiple insights which include:

• Traditional Calorific and Constituent Content
• A Variety of Add On Analytical Procedures
• Evaluation of Requisite Material Handling (Transport)
• Evaluation of Fuel Manipulation, Grinding, Briquetting, Drying
• Evaluation of Fuel Behavior Under Gasification Application
• Evaluation of Air Emissions Content To Be Expected

Deliverables

Gasification testing of materials is a significant undertaking. As such, AESI begins with development of a detailed performance plan which is then submitted to the customer for review and approval. In projects which avail all protocols, and prior to the long term test, a summary interim report, indicating sample and test results will be provided in written form. A final report will be prepared following completion of the entire testing program. This report will present the analytical data and provide an evaluation of the waste material suitability as a viable feedstock for AES’ biomass gasification technology.

Testing Specifics

• Average turnaround time for completion and report delivery for the full scheme is three to six weeks.
• Fuel Quantity Required: Varies depending on protocols, can be between 2 to 4 tons.
• Storage & Shipping: Due to the volume and variability of biomass fuels inherent with this test, it is impossible to standardize shipping and handling practices. Adequate steps must be taken to ensure that the integrity (granulometery, physical constitution and moisture content) of the feedstock is preserved through the shipping process. All shipping costs are the responsibility of the customer.

Note: For accurate results, testing needs to be performed on properly obtained and representative materials AESI technicians can provide material sampling and packing for shipment for a separate fee.

AESI has designed these service offerings to assist our customers in adoption of optimal equipment and processes.  For this reason, costs which customers incur in the performance of these efforts are credited at 90% towards the purchase of equipment or systems.