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Proof-of-Concept of High-Pressure Torrefaction for Improvement of Pelletized Biomass Fuel Properties and Process Cost Reduction

Author

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  • Bartosz Matyjewicz

    (Faculty of Life Sciences and Technology, Institute of Agricultural Engineering, Wrocław University of Environmental and Life Sciences, 51-630 Wrocław, Poland)

  • Kacper Świechowski

    (Faculty of Life Sciences and Technology, Institute of Agricultural Engineering, Wrocław University of Environmental and Life Sciences, 51-630 Wrocław, Poland)

  • Jacek A. Koziel

    (Department of Agricultural and Biosystems Engineering, Iowa State University, Ames, IA 50011, USA)

  • Andrzej Białowiec

    (Faculty of Life Sciences and Technology, Institute of Agricultural Engineering, Wrocław University of Environmental and Life Sciences, 51-630 Wrocław, Poland
    Department of Agricultural and Biosystems Engineering, Iowa State University, Ames, IA 50011, USA)

Abstract

This paper provides a comprehensive description of the new approach to biomass torrefaction under high-pressure conditions. A new type of laboratory-scale high-pressure reactor was designed and built. The aim of the study was to compare the high-pressure torrefaction with conventional near atmospheric pressure torrefaction. Specifically, we investigated the torrefaction process influence on the fuel properties of wooden-pellet for two different pressure regimes up to 15 bar. All torrefaction processes were conducted at 300 °C, at 30 min of residence time. The initial analysis of the increased pressure impact on the torrefaction parameters: mass yields, energy densification ratio, energy yield, process energy consumption, the proximate analysis, high heating value, and energy needed to grind torrefied pellets was completed. The results show that high-pressure torrefaction needed up to six percent less energy, whereas energy densification in the pellet was ~12% higher compared to conventional torrefaction. The presence of pressure during torrefaction did not have an impact on the energy required for pellet grinding ( p < 0.05).

Suggested Citation

  • Bartosz Matyjewicz & Kacper Świechowski & Jacek A. Koziel & Andrzej Białowiec, 2020. "Proof-of-Concept of High-Pressure Torrefaction for Improvement of Pelletized Biomass Fuel Properties and Process Cost Reduction," Energies, MDPI, vol. 13(18), pages 1-27, September.
  • Handle: RePEc:gam:jeners:v:13:y:2020:i:18:p:4790-:d:413256
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    References listed on IDEAS

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