Energy upgrading of biomass by Torrefaction Technology.

Biomass

Biomass is one of the better energy source (Kulkarni and Dalai 2006). In theory it has a potential to contribute over 800 EJ in comparison to current energy use i.e. 400EJ, without affecting the worlds food supply (Rosillo-Calle and Woods 2012). It is considered as the fourth largest energy source after coal, oil and natural gas (Ladanai and Vinterbck 2009), providing 35 per cent of the energy needs of the three- quarters of the worlds population. . Biomass energy is readily obtained from wood, twigs, straw, dung, agriculture residues, and e.t.c. Biomass is burnt either directly for heat, or to generate electricity, or converted into other energy products such as biofuels (Kurchania 2012)

Densified Fuel

The stored energy (Solar energy) of trees can be made available in the form of densified fuel, which is easily transported and combusted to produce heat. Densified fuel is available in the form of large fuel logs, briquettes, and pellets. Briquettes and pellets are also used commercially and industrially in central heating systems and gassifiers. Briquettes are made of agro and forest residues such as Mustard husk, Wheat husk, Cotton husk, Cotton stalk, Saw dust, ground nut shell, Castor seed husk, Pine needle, coffee husk e.t.c. Biomass are processed in automatic modern plants where first biomass is dried up to 10% moisture then cut pulverized to fine powder then finally pressed in high power press to give it pellet/briquette shape.

Torrifaction

Torrefaction of biomass can be described as a mild form of thermal conversion at temperatures typically ranging between 200-300 C in the absence of oxygen. During torrefaction the biomass properties are changed to obtain a much better fuel quality (increased heating value). Low calorific components are transferred to the gas phase. The torrefaction objective is to improve the energy properties of biomass within a defined residence time and temperature less than 300 C.

 Three main product of torrefaction are brown/dark color solid, liquid includes moisture, acetic acid and oxygenates and gases CO, CO2 and small amount of methane. The solid product can be densified and used as briquette or pellet. Currently, there is much more research is going on torrefaction gas composition. If the gas produced by torrefaction is flammable, then it can be recycled and used to heat the torrefaction bioreactor. Gas chromatography system is used to analyze the gas from the torrefaction process. GC is used to check the purity of compound and separating the different component of mixture.

Torrefaction Color changes

Added value of torrefaction

Torrifaction (+ densification) enables energy-efficient (>90%) upgrading of biomass into commodity solid biofuels with favorable properties in view of logistics and end use Favorable properties include high energy density, better water resistance, slower biodegradation, improved grind ability, good flow ability, homogenized material properties Therefore, cost savings in handling and transport, advanced trading schemes(futures) possible, higher co-firing percentages and enabling technology for gasification-based biofuels and bio-chemicals production Applicable to a wide range of lignocelluloses biomass feedstock, even mixed waste streams

Composition of Biomass
"The polymeric structure of woody and herbaceous biomass comprises mainly cellulose, hemicellulose and lignin. Hemicellulose is a complex, branched and heterogeneous polymeric network, based on pentoses such as xylose and arabinose, hexoses such as glucose, mannose and galactose, and sugar acids. It has a lower molecular weight than cellulose and its role is to connect lignin and cellulose fibers

 Cellulose is a long chain polysaccharide formed by Dglucose units, linked by 1,4 glycosidic bonds: its structure has crystalline parts and amorphous ones. Lignin is an amorphous polymer made by different phenolic compounds and is the main component of cell walls. Lignin holds together cellulose and hemicellulose fibers and gives support, resistance and impermeability to the plant.

Schematic role of Pretreatment of Biomass to Biofuel

How Torrifaction leads to increase heating value

Pretreatment can open up the fiber. The composite structure of the biomass cell wall is destroyed during torrifaction and the individual components are released. Pretreatment releases hemicelluloses from the biomass cell walls and makes them accessible to chemical and biochemical degradation. The polymer chains is cleaved and C5 sugars, mainly xylose is released and further degraded into furfural. The major role of hemicelluloses in wood is to impart viscoelastic properties. The degradation of hemicellulose makes wood more brittle and rigid. The removal of OH groups (dehydration reactions) results in a more hydrophobic surface. The brittleness (better grindability) and higher moisture resistance are important properties that are used as an argument for the use of pretreated biomass for the production of fuel pellets to substitute coal in heat and power plants.

Torrefaction Process

Characteristics of Biomass Moisture Content analysis- Moisture content can be calculated based on weight loss after oven drying the material for 8 hr at 105 C. Calorific Value- It can be calculated by Bomb Calorimeter. Weight Loss It can be simply calculated by weight of biomass before and after torrifaction. Lignocellulose content- It can be eastimated by FTIR analyzer. Estimation of Carbohydrate- It can be done by TGA(Thermogravimetric analyzer ).

Torrifaction Bioreactor Design Batch reactor is used for torrifaction. A metal box with a volume of about 2 L and two opening (5mm in diameter) for nitrogen inlet and gas outlet . Box can be installed in prgrammable muffle furnace and connected to nitrogen cylinder with pressure and flow regulator, water seal valve and fitting and pipes for gas inlet, outlet and temperature sensors. A temperature sensor is used in centre of the metal reactor and connected to a thermometer and computer system controlling the heating of the oven . The material torrifaction can be done at 220, 240, 260, and 280 C for 2 hr.

Result
Fibre analysis of coconut shell are degrading during torrifaction. Combined torrifaction and briquetting are used to increase the fuel value of biomass by increasing its energy density and improving its handling and combustion properties. Graphs Biomass wt Vs temperature CV Vs temperature Strength of pellets/Briquette Lignin, Hemicellulose, and Cellulose Degrading Temperature of initial biomass and torrified biomass.