Rudi Hermawan, a Doctoral student in the Mechanical Engineering Study Program, Faculty of Engineering, Universitas Indonesia (FTUI), researched how the rice husk gasification method can be utilized to support sustainable waste management and the development of renewable energy in Indonesia. His dissertation, The Effect of Recirculating Product Gas into the Pyrolysis Zone on Gas and Tar Products in the Rice Husk Gasification Process Using a Downdraft Reactor, presents this research. His dissertation was presented during the FTUI Doctoral Promotion Open Defense on Wednesday (26/2) at the Smart Meeting Room, FTUI Dean’s Building.
Rudi’s research evaluates the impact of syngas recirculation into the pyrolysis zone on the formation of energy-rich gas, thermal efficiency, and producer gas quality. The experiments were conducted by varying the syngas recirculation valve opening and the equivalence ratio (ER).
This research aims to reduce tar content, increase the calorific value of producer gas (syngas), and improve the operational efficiency of the gasification reactor. It also seeks to utilize the high-temperature producer gas (syngas) by recirculating part of it into the pyrolysis zone. The expectation is that maintaining temperature stability in the pyrolysis zone will enhance the gasification process, producing syngas (producer gas) with improved H₂, CO, and CH₄ content and lower tar levels.
“This study concludes that the appropriate setting of syngas recirculation at a low ER can enhance energy efficiency and gas quality, though additional steps are required to meet fuel standards,” Rudi explained.
The Dean of FTUI, Prof. Kemas Ridwan Kurniawan, S.T., M.Sc., Ph.D., expressed his appreciation for this research. “This study contributes to the development of renewable energy in Indonesia. We hope that energy resilience can be well maintained through this research,” he stated.
Based on the conclusions drawn, Rudi successfully earned his Doctorate degree with the distinction of Cum Laude, achieving a GPA of 3.89. Dr. Rudi is recorded as the 115th Doctoral graduate from the Department of Mechanical Engineering and the 595th from the Faculty of Engineering, Universitas Indonesia. The defence was chaired by Prof. Dr Ir. Yanuar, M.Eng., M.Sc., with Prof. Dr Ir. Adi Surjosatyo, M.Eng. as the main advisor and Dr Ir. Cahyadi, M.Kom. as the co-advisor. The examination committee consisted of Prof. Dr. Ir. Harwin Saptoadi, M.SE., IPM., ASEAN.Eng., Prof. Ir. Yulianto Sulistyo Nugroho, M.Sc., Ph.D., Prof. Dr. Ir. I Made Kartika Dhiputra, Dipl. Ing., Prof. Ir. Warjito, M.Sc., Ph.D., and Ahmad Syihan Auzani, S.T., M.T., Ph.D.
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