Electromagnetic Biomass Cleaning Technology: Feedstock Preparation for Pyrolysis and Gasification

IJEP 45(13): 1205-1211 : Vol. 45 Issue 13 (Conference 2025)

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M. Belik1, V. Hulevskyi2, Y. Postol2, I. Rubanenko3,4,5* and Phaneendra Babbu Bobba6

1. University of West Bohemia, Department of Power Engineering, Pilsen, Czech Republic
2. Dmytro Motornyi Tavria State Agrotechnological University, Department of Electric Power Engineering and Electrical Technologies, Zaporizhzhia 72312, Ukraine
3. University of West Bohemia in Pilsen, Research and Innovation Centre for Electrical Engineering, Pilsen 30100, Czech Republic
4. National Academy of Sciences of Ukraine, Department of the Wind Power, Institute of Renewable Energy, Kyiv 01030, Ukraine
5. Vinnitsa National Technical University, Department of Electrical Power Plants and Systems, Vinnitsa 21000, Ukraine
6. Gokaraju Rangaraju Institute of Engineering and Technology, Department of Electrical and Electronics Engi neering, Hyderabad – 500 118, Telangana, India

Abstract

The presence of ferromagnetic impurities in agricultural biomass—such as iron, nickel and cobalt—poses challenges for thermochemical conversion processes, including pyrolysis and gasification. These contaminants reduce synthesis gas output, interfere with reactor operation and accelerate equipment wear. This study introduces a new electromagnetic separator with spiral-shaped magnetic field concentrators designed with optimized geometry to improve impurity capture under high-flow conditions. An experimental setup was built to simulate separation at airflow speeds upto 30 m/s. Particle behaviour was examined in both axial and transverse directions, showing dependencies on particle size, concentrator diameter and magnetic field intensity. Results showed enhanced separation efficiency, operational stability and ongoing regeneration capability. The proposed system provides a practical solution for improving biomass feedstock quality and supports safer, more sustainable bioenergy production.

Keywords

Biomass, Ferromagnetic impurities, Electromagnetic separator, Magnetic field concentrator, Pyrolysis, Gasification, Feedstock preparation, Renewable energy, Thermochemical conversion, Pneumatic transport

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