Title:
Production of Torrefied Pellets from Agroforestry Biomass for Local and Regional Use
Author(s):
Puy, N., Alier, S., Bartolí, J.
Document(s):
Paper
Abstract:
Torrefaction improve lignocellulosic biomass properties to obtain a higher quality and more attractive biofuel. A semi-industrial plant with a capacity up to 100 kg/h has been developed by Energies Tèrmiques Bàsiques SL to thermochemically process different types of biomass, from lignocellulosic biomass such as forest or agricultural by-products, to certain residues with high carbon content to study the influence of the feedstock and operating conditions on the process performance and the properties of the products. The pelletisation capacity of the torrefied samples is also evaluated, since torrified pellets have higher energy density, higher hydrophobicity resulting in a higher water-resistivity and resistance to biological attacks, improved grindability, reactivity and homogeneity, making them an improved energy vector compared to conventional biomass pellets. This technology allows the production of torrefied biofuels in small units (up to 1 ton/hour) at local and regional scale, since it is flexible, with low energy consumption and robust. Also, a pilot project was carried out in a municipality to use agricultural residues as feedstock to produce torrefied pellets, which, in turn, were used as energy source in the municipal facilities. The semi-industrial plant was installed in the municipality over ten months to test its performance and to add value to the local agricultural wastes. Marketable torrefied pellets were achieved according to European standards using this technology and the economic viability of the process was shown. This project showed the feasibility of implementing a biomass valorisation process to increase the added value of agroforestry wastes and their value chain, as well as moving towards the bioeconomy concept, with the cooperation between local administration, universities and companies.
Keywords:
energy balance, liquid biofuels, pellets, torrefaction, regional, economical aspects
Topic:
Industry Sessions
Subtopic:
Thermochemical conversion processes
Event:
24th European Biomass Conference and Exhibition
Session:
IBO.12.5
Pages:
1676 - 1680
ISBN:
978-88-89407-165
Paper DOI:
10.5071/24thEUBCE2016-IBO.12.5
Price:
FREE
