Effect of particle size on the properties of biomass gasification residue pellets used as a metallurgical-grade silicon reducing agent

Abstract

Due to the greenhouse effect and fossil fuel shortages, biochar became a research priority to replace charcoal for metallurgical-grade silicon reductants, but it has an uneven particle size and insufficient strength. In this study, biochar was pelletized and compared with charcoal, and the relationship between the biochar particle size and pellet strength, porosity, and reactivity was determined. The results showed that the performance of biochar pellets was better than that of charcoal. In addition, upon decreasing the biochar particle size, the pellet strength increased, the porosity decreased, and the reactivity increased. When biochar with a particle size of <100 μm was used, the strength of the pellets was 3184.63 N, the porosity was 47.85%, and the reactivity was 82.15%, which meets the requirements of metallurgical-grade silicon reducing agents. This study provides a reference for the production of biochar pellets suitable for smelting to reduce the production of greenhouse gases.