Title:
Low-Grade Biomass Upgrading by Washing and Torrefaction: Lab and Pilot-Scale Results
Author(s):
Abelha, P., Janssen, A., Mourão Vilela, C.F., Nanou, P., Carbo, M.
Document(s):
Paper
Poster
Abstract:
Four low-grade biomasses (road side grass, miscanthus, wheat straw and spruce bark) were subjected to washing tests with water at lab scale, with the aim to optimize the combination of washing temperature, time and liquid over solids (L/S) ratio and evaluate the efficiency of salts removal (mainly K and Cl). A quick and cheap analysis method, based on conductivity measurements of the eluates, compared with chemical analysis done both on liquids and solids, was developed to assess the removal efficiency immediately after the washing process. Lab scale torrefaction tests were performed on the washed biomasses and the option of washing afterwards (post-washing) was also investigated. Based on the lab results larger quantities of the four biomass materials were washed and torrefied at pilot scale to provide reliable data to support the upscaling of possible upgrading routes. Analyses of the original samples, washed samples and washed/torrefied samples confirmed the achieved decrease in salts content. Fuel characterization and calculated fuel indexes usually used for evaluating emissions, high temperature corrosion and ash melting tendency were used as a first indication on the achievement of enhanced performance.
Keywords:
alkali, biomass, torrefaction, upgrading, pretreatment, residues
Topic:
Biomass Conversion Technologies for Fuels, Chemicals and Materials
Subtopic:
Production of thermally treated solid biofuels
Event:
26th European Biomass Conference and Exhibition
Session:
3DV.6.3
Pages:
1209 - 1220
ISBN:
978-88-89407-18-9
Paper DOI:
10.5071/26thEUBCE2018-3DV.6.3
Price:
FREE
