Advances in Biomass Gasification and Food Process Engineering

Biomass gasification

Biomass gasification presents a cleaner, renewable alternative to conventional wood and fossil fuel-based cooking systems. This study explores the feasibility, opportunities, and challenges of implementing biomass gasifier technology in the Indian context. Field trials of biomass gasifiers were conducted, with practical issues systematically documented and analyzed. A comprehensive SWOT (Strengths, Weaknesses, Opportunities, and Threats) analysis was performed to assess the project's viability. The field results indicate that gasifier-based cooking offers significant advantages over traditional methods in rural settings. Overall, the proposed system demonstrates strong potential as a sustainable bioenergy solution, contributing to a low-carbon economy in developing regions.

Process and Product development in Jaggery (non-centrifugal sugars) making

 The work involves experiments on some of the key aspects of process development such as clarification of sugarcane juice and crystallization of concentrated sugars to make jaggery. The influence of different parameters such as reducing sugars in cane, operating temperature, additives and other design parameters would be studied in detail. The results will be explained theoretically with the help of appropriate model and arrive at an optimal design to be implemented in the pilot plant.

Product: Jaggery is considered to a nutritious sweetener than white sugar. The micronutrients such as different elements (like iron for example) will be quantified and their influence on health will be examined systematically to create scientific evidence.