Abstract
The impact of torrefaction temperature on the ignitability, fuel ratio and ash fusion temperatures of two tropical deciduous woods (Teak and Melina) were investigated in a setup of tubular furnace. The properties considered are calorific value, fuel ratio, ignitability index, ash compositions and ash fusion temperatures of the biomass. Six different temperatures (220, 240, 260, 280, 300 and 320 °C) at 60 min reaction time were considered. The results indicated that as torrefaction temperature increased, the calorific value, fuel ratio and ignitability index of the biomass also increased. The ignitability index of biomass (40–63) was better than the value (35) recommended for fuel applicable in thermal plants for power generation. The ash compositional analysis revealed that there was no variation in the quantity of SiO2, Al2O3, CaO along with other minerals for the raw and torrefied biomass. This implied that the temperature up to 320 °C has no significant impact on the compositions of biomass ash during torrefaction. The ash fusion temperature test showed that the biomass ash softens at 1200 °C and finally fused at 1300 °C. The study concluded that an increase in torrefaction temperature increases the thermal properties of the torrefied biomass without affecting the compositions of biomass ash or lowering the ash fusion temperatures.
Highlights
Fossil fuels such as coal, oil, and natural gas contribute 80% of more than 400 EJ of energy consumed in a year worldwide [1, 2, 3, 4]
The torrefaction process used in this study for Teak and Melina woods was bounded between 220 and 320 C. The temperature (320 C)
The present study aims to produce biochar with a high fuel ratio and improved ignitability while reducing the volatile matter contents in the biomass
Summary
Fossil fuels such as coal, oil, and natural gas contribute 80% of more than 400 EJ of energy consumed in a year worldwide [1, 2, 3, 4]. Two of the commonly used deciduous woody biomass in the country are Teak and Melina woods [14] Their use contributes largely to waste pile which are often burnt or disposed into flowing streams. The direct comparison of biomass with coal as solid fuel in electricity and heat generation often reveals inferior properties of biomass such as low energy content, high moisture and poor ash fusion temperatures among others [15] These limitations and challenges can be overcome by thermally treating biomass using the torrefaction process. The present work presents a fundamental investigation on the impact of torrefaction temperature on thermal properties and ash analyses of tropical deciduous wood that are key characteristics of fuel used for power generation in thermal plants
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