Abstract:
Woody biomass is one of the major sources of renewable energy. The main problem of
low utilization of biomass is its varied moisture content and low calorific value which can
be overcome through a thermal treatment called torrefaction. Torrefaction destroy the
fibrous nature of woody biomass and enhanced the physiochemical properties of the
resulting material.
In this work, the concept of varied compositional biomass is proposed to increase the
characteristics of torrified biomasses. Three biomass materials were investigated in the
chipped and crushed form: pearl millet, pinewood, and walnut shell. This study analyzed
the effects of torrefaction temperature, residence time, and moisture content on biomass
final products distribution. The torrified product was analyzed by various technique such
as proximate and ultimate analysis, CV, scanning electron microscopy (SEM), Fourier
transform infrared (FTIR), x-ray diffraction (XRD) and thermogravimetric analysis
(TGA).
In comparison to residence time, it was found that the torrefaction temperature had the
greatest effect on the mass of torrified product. The resulted torrified product experienced
changes in structural properties including mass reduction, chemical compositions,
decreased hydrophilicity, improved grindability and rise in energy content. These
properties result in improved biomass handling and storage, as well as enhanced biomass
utilization in pulverized combustors.
