Abstract
Torrefaction is a thermal pretreatment technique usually adopted for improving biomass properties to be on par with that of coal for energy production. In this study, the torrefaction characteristics of blended fuel of sewage sludge (SS) and sugarcane bagasse (BG) biomass were investigated for the purpose of gasification. The thermal degradation behavior of the blended biomass sample was tested in an inert atmosphere from ambient temperature to 900 °C using thermogravimetric analysis (TGA). The obtained TGA data aided in the determination of thermochemical parameters that are of necessity in gasification. Morphological changes in the blended torrefied samples were examined through scanning electron microscopy. Further changes in the chemical structure of the samples were investigated through Fourier-transform infrared analysis. The blend ratio of 75% SS + 25% BG torrefied at 350 °C gave the highest energy value (HHV) of 23.62 MJ/kg, fixed carbon of 51.37 wt % and fuel ratio of 1.70. The obtained fuel ratio is comparable to that required for optimum combustion performance of coal. The morphological structure of the samples showed that there was an aggregation of the biomass particles into small lumps at higher torrefaction temperature for 50% SS + 50% BG and 75% SS + 25% BG blend indicating a better grind ability of the biomass material. Thus, it can be concluded that the blend and torrefaction enhanced the properties of the biomass materials.
Highlights
The first stage corresponds to the removal of moisture and some light volatiles, and this spanned from 30–150 ◦ C for all the samples with a percentage weight loss of 5.01%
The low percentage of moisture recorded in all samples is due to the torrefaction process; the samples underwent during which some moisture was evaporated from the samples
The result obtained revealed that torrefaction temperature had a significant influence on the physicochemical properties of the torrefied biomass samples
Summary
Biomass is a renewable energy resource that can either serve as an alternative or supplement to non-renewable energy sources such as coal for energy generation. It is classified as any organic matter derived from either plants or animals. A typical example includes wood, agricultural residue, energy crops, industrial waste and municipal waste. Municipal waste such as sewage sludge (SS) is classified as important biomass due to its composition of organic compounds of high calorific value. Sewage sludge is a byproduct of municipal wastewater treatment plants that are produced in large quantities worldwide
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