Effects of moisture content and heating condition on pyrolysis and combustion properties of structural fuels

Abstract

SummaryThe objective of this research was to measure the pyrolysis and combustion properties of selected structural fuels as a function of fuel moisture content (MC) levels under various external heating conditions. The pyrolysis properties were measured by using the thermogravimetric analysis technique at 3 MC levels (5%, 10%, and 15%) and 3 heating rates (5, 15, and 25K/min.). The combustion properties were measured by using a cone calorimeter at the same MC levels and 3 heat flux levels (20, 30, and 50 kW/m2). In addition, density and thermal conductivity as a function of MC levels were also measured. Statistical analysis was performed over the experimental data by using a 95% confidence interval. Most materials had significant increase in density when the MC levels increased, while the increase was more significant for natural woods than engineered woods. No statistically significant changes in thermal conductivity were observed for most materials. The pyrolysis properties were affected by both the MC and heating rate levels. Both MC and heat flux levels affected the combustion properties.