Rice miller seeing lower fuel costs from gasifier

The Gasifier Plant at Ramlakhan and Sons Rice Mill at Exmouth, Essequibo Coast. The rice husk is burned prior to being filtered five times in biomass production

The Ramlakhan & Sons Rice Mill at Exmouth, Essequibo Coast will fully streamline its new US$72,000 rice husk gasifier today and a visit is set for Thursday by the Millers Association.

Owner of the establishment, Ramlakhan (only name) told Stabroek News on Saturday that in all, the investment was over US$230,000 and he felt the cost saving is worth it. He emphasized that six gallons of diesel fuel was burned hourly during the milling process prior to the gasifier. Since the three test trials the plant has successfully reduced the use of fuel to less than 1.5 gallons while providing anywhere from 60% to 70% of the rest of the energy requirements. Ramlakhan told Stabroek News during a tour of the plant that 350 to 400 kilograms of rice husk is burned to release energy and carbon dioxide. He noted that the plant will have enough husk to sustain itself and continue working.

He added that a visit by the Millers Association is planned to showcase the machine and its potential to