The Biomax Machine
Biomax
BioMax is a registered trade name for a highly developed, computer controlled biomass downdraft gasification
and combined heat and power process developed by Community Power Corporation of Littleton, CO.
Forrester Days: A group of children check out
the biomax machine at Forrester Days
The process is
capable of utilizing waste residues from the forest and agriculture industries. Feedstocks such as sawdust
pellets, coconut shells, wood chips, corn, soybeans, pecan shells, coffee husks, chicken litter and nutmeg shells
have all been used. The feedstock materials are heated to a high temperature (~900C, 1,650F) in an oxygen-depleted
atmosphere and decompose into a combustible gas (called "producer gas") containing H2, CH4, CO, N2, CO2. The
gas is then cooled, filtered and used to fuel a propane-powered generator that has been modified to run on the
roducer gas. Waste heat is recovered from the gas cooling heat exchanger and used to eliminate moisture in the
feedstock bins.
