Associated Physics of America (APA), the research and development arm of PHG Energy, has invested over 10 years in development of this new downdraft gasification system and has successfully applied that proprietary technology in multiple industrial applications.

While downdraft technology has been in public use for at least 75 years, the industry has struggled to scale up this process for industrial application. The release of the PHG Energy line of gasifiers shifts that paradigm by offering scalable downdraft gasification solutions.

There are currently 3 models within the PHG (Process Heat Gasification) line of gasifiers: the PHG-8, PHG-12 and PHG-64.

The units are designed in a modular format allowing a customer to apply multiple units to reach their individual needs for gas utilization.

Gasification is not incineration. There is no burning stage in the downdraft gasification process. The conversion process builds up heat while restricting oxygen to block combustion, allowing a low-pressure, thermo-chemical solid-to-gas phase change reaction to occur. This high efficiency conversion of chemical potential energy within the feedstock creates the Producer Gas for use in conventional kilns, boilers and internal combustion driven electrical generation equipment.

The PHG Energy system produces a self-cleaning Producer Gas stream through the gravity-assisted separation of particulates, metals, and condensation from the fuel. The resulting biochar is approximately 2% by weight of the feedstock initially used, is very manageable and has practical uses (including soil conditioning and filter media). This minimizes or eliminates waste disposal requirements.

The downdraft technology employed by PHG Energy produces a much cleaner Producer Gas compared to other gasifier configurations. This greatly reduces the need to clean the gas, an inherent problem typical in fluidized bed or updraft gasifiers. Minimal energy is expended on the parasitic loads within the gasification and conditioning system maximizing the output capabilities of the gasifier.

The robust, enclosed gasifier system is fully automated and can operate unstaffed for extended periods of time. The computerized control system will alert both on-site attendants and remote monitors to potential problems, allowing corrective action and minimizing downtime maintenance.

Multiple PHG Energy units have proven to work well in parallel with each other, taking advantage of a single feedstock supply and control system to provide a customized supply of Producer Gas to meet the precise needs of the customer.