Abstract
The aim of this study was to investigate the optimal temperature range for waste wood and the effect torrefaction residence time had on torrefied biomass feedstock. Temperature range of 200–400 °C and residence time of 0–50 min were considered. In order to investigate the effect of temperature and residence time, torrefaction parameters, such as mass yield, energy yield, volatile matter, ash content and calorific value were calculated. The Van Krevelen diagram was also used for clarification, along with the CHO index based on molecular C, H, and O data. Torrefaction parameters, such as net/gross calorific value and CHO increased with an increase in torrefaction temperature, while a reduction in energy yield, mass yield, and volatile content were observed. Likewise, elevated ash content was observed with higher torrefaction temperature. From the Van Krevelen diagram, it was observed that at 300 °C the torrefied feedstock came in the range of lignite. With better gross calorific value and CHO index, less ash content and nominal mass loss, 300 °C was found to be the optimal torrefaction temperature for waste wood.
Highlights
In recent years, biomass has obtained remarkable attention because of the potential it holds to replace the energy derived from fossil fuel
InInthis and residence time on torrefied product, and heavy metal analysis were used for the determination and residence time on torrefied product, and heavy metal analysis were used for the determination of of optimal temperature range for torrefaction of waste wood
The results showed that there was an increase in the Gross Calorific Value (GCV) (MJ/kg) of waste wood with the increase in torrefaction temperature and residence time
Summary
Biomass has obtained remarkable attention because of the potential it holds to replace the energy derived from fossil fuel. Biomass is considered to be an important renewable fuel and the most widespread technology, and can be grouped into thermochemical (torrefaction, pyrolysis, combustion, etc.), chemical (alkaline hydrolysis, etc.) and biochemical (fermentation, anaerobic digestion, etc.) categories [1]. Biomass can be considered as a flexible source of energy as it can be transformed into numerous energy products, for instance, bio-oil, syngas, and so forth. Biomass has numerous challenges, such as but not limited to, high moisture content, poor grindability, hydroscopicity, low heating value, fibrous in nature, and so forth. [2,3] These challenges confine the combustion performance and escalate the handling and transportation cost of biomass. Thermal degradation of woody biomass is a complex topic in itself and comprises of numerous fractions with various thermal behaviors [4]
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