Prelims 2012 · archive
EasyBiomass 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 from biomass gasification 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 & explanation
Answer: (a) 1 only
Only statement 1 is correct. Agricultural residues such as coconut shells, groundnut shells and rice husk are used as gasifier feedstock. The gas produced is a mixture of several gases, not just hydrogen and carbon dioxide. It can be burned directly for heat and can also run engines.
- ✓ 1. Coconut shells and rice husk have been used directly in fixed-bed gasifiers. Briquettes made from groundnut shells are good feedstock for fixed-bed gasifiers.
- ✗ 2. Producer gas consists of carbon monoxide, hydrogen and methane, which are its combustible components, along with carbon dioxide and nitrogen. 'Hydrogen and carbon dioxide only' is therefore wrong.
- ✗ 3. The gas can be burned in a burner to provide heat. It can also be used as fuel in an engine to provide mechanical power or electricity, so 'not in internal combustion engines' is wrong.
Remember · Biomass gasification turns biomass into producer gas: CO, H2 and CH4, with CO2 and N2. The gas is used both for heat and in engines for power. Husks and shells are common feedstocks.
Sources
- Biomass Energy Resource Assessment Handbook (APCTT, UNESCAP) – feedstocks used in fixed-bed gasifiers ↗ · reference work “Some of the prominent agriculture residues which have been used in fixed-bed gasifiers are: coconut shells, stalks such as mustard, arhar and cotton, rice husk, cashew nut shell, corn cob, etc. … Briquettes made from sawdust, coffee husk, groundnut shells, pulverized mustard stalk, and cotton sticks are found to be good feedstock for fixed bed gasifiers. … The producer gas consists of carbon monoxide (CO), hydrogen (H2), and methane (CH4) , along with carbon dioxide (CO2) and nitrogen (N2). … can be directly burned in a burner to provide thermal energy or it can be used as a fuel in an engine to provide mechanical power or electricity.”
- UNDP India – Cost Benefit Analysis of Biomass Gasifier Based Electrification (BERI) ↗ “conversion of carbonaceous material into a mixture of Carbon Monoxide, Hydrogen, Methane and traces of inert gas (Producer Gas) through a series of thermo-chemical reactions”
Question: UPSC Civil Services (Preliminary) 2012, General Studies paper. Explanation: Minimalist IAS, checked 25 Oct 2026 (how we verify). ·