Abstract
The optimization of upscaled biochar pelleting is limited by lack of knowledge regarding the effects of process parameters. A multiparameter model, coupled to a single pellet press unit, was for the first time applied to biochar production to predict the upscaled biochar pelleting process behavior. The model permits to estimate in a time and cost-effective way how the die friction forces, quantified through the pellet exiting pressure, are affected by the key process parameters. It was observed that to achieve acceptably low exiting pressures (in the order of 100 MPa), it was critical to produce biochar at high temperatures (e.g. 600 °C). Addition of water as a binder is also beneficial, while pelletization temperature does not significantly affect the exiting pressure. Furthermore, when pyrolysis oil was used as a binder, lower exiting pressures were measured. Biochar returned higher exiting pressure values compared with untreated wood, but lower compared with torrefied wood. Moreover, the correlation between density and compressive strength was also examined. It was found that the exiting pressure trend is a good indicator to estimate the mechanical quality of the pellets.
Highlights
With the necessity of abandoning the consumption of fossil fuels, biomass has been targeted as possible substitute
This work intended to enlighten on the mechanism underneath the pelleting process of pyrolyzed biomass by the help of a multiparameter model previously implemented and used to analyze pelletization of wood and torrefied wood
The multiparameter model was firstly applied to a base case and the feasibility of fitting the pelleting pressure as function of the compression ratio was verified
Summary
With the necessity of abandoning the consumption of fossil fuels, biomass has been targeted as possible substitute. Biochar produced from biomass is very versatile and can be used for many applications. Biochar is a promising alternative of fossil fuels to be used as energy source in heat and power plants [1e4] and reducing agent in metallurgical applications [5e7]. Biochar can be used as enhancer to improve soil quality [8e10] and as filter in water treatments [11,12], Recently, The Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC) included this material as a carbon neutral option to tackle climate change, recognizing the possibility to contribute as carbon negative source as well [13]. A more comprehensive lists of different uses has been provided in Refs. A more comprehensive lists of different uses has been provided in Refs. [14e16].
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