Effects of The Torrefaction Process on The Fuel Characteristics Larix kaempferi C

Abstract

The aim of this study was to evaluate the fuel characteristics of thermally treated wood chips of the Larix kaempferi C. As torrefaction temperature was increased (<TEX>$200^{\circ}C$</TEX> to <TEX>$300^{\circ}C$</TEX>), the carbon content, calorific value, and mass loss of torrefied wood chips increased significantly. The torrefied wood chips were shown to have hydrophobic properties even when only treated by mild torrefaction. The energy required to grind torrefied wood chips was reduced by the torrefaction process. Different sizes of wood chips were used in this study; however, this produced almost no difference in the fuel characteristics of processed Larix kaempferi C, except in the distribution of ground wood particles. Similar results were observed when the wood chips were torrefied for different lengths of time (15 min to 60 min) at a constant temperature. Torrefaction was shown to have positive effects on the fuel characteristics of Larix kaempferi C, including improved energy density, storage, and grindability.