Critical Review of the Performance of Refractory Materials in Biomass Gasifier

The depletion of fossil fuels and its environmental impacts creates the massive demand towards renewable energy sources for energy production. Compared to fossil fuels, biomass is the primary renewable energy source on Earth. Since the 18th century, biomass gasifiers have mostly been used for cooking and lighting; but, when fossil fuels became more widely available, their use declined due to the industrial revolution. Biomass gasifier equipment is working on thermo mechanical process and an incomplete combustion process that focuses on energy production rates ranging from 1kW to 1000 MW, with efficiencies ranging from 70– 80%. In biomass gasifiers, refractory materials are integral part in maintaining high temperature operating conditions necessary for effective conversion of biomass into producer gas. The selection of suitable refractory materials significantly influences plant operational costs by improving service life and reducing maintenance frequency. This necessitates comprehensive studies focused on extending refractory materials durability under diverse operating conditions, particularly addressing degradation mechanisms such as chemical corrosion, alkali-silicate attack, thermal shock and slag infiltration. The application of specialized refractory coatings and additives exhibits promise in mitigating these degradation phenomena. This review significantly addresses the following a) critically evaluate the performance characteristics of various refractory materials used in biomass gasifiers and highlighting their operational significance and problems b) Exploring the various additives and coating technologies aimed at enhancing refractory service lifespan and thermal efficiency under high-temperature, chemically aggressive environments. This proposed review study serves as a valuable resource for researchers targeting advancements in biomass gasifier types and refractory material engineering.