Title:
Laboratory Fast Methods to Determine the Moisture Content of Solid Biofuels
Author(s):
Fernández, M.J. , Casado, S., Barro, R., Broto, M., Esteban, L.S.
Document(s):
Paper
Poster
Abstract:
The main objective of this work is to present different laboratory test methods to quickly determine the moisture content of solid biofuels. In this study, fast methods for moisture determination (using a microwave oven –MW-, an infrared stove –IR-, a near-infrared spectrophotometer –NIR-, and a thermogravimetric analyzer –TGA-) were evaluated and compared with the reference method described in the standard ISO 18134-2. Five different fuels were tested: olive stones, almond shells, wood pellets, wood chips and wheat straw. The method performance characteristics (accuracy, repeatability and reproducibility), including the measurement of the uncertainty were evaluated. NIR was the most accurate and precise fast method, with recoveries ranging 96-99% and expanded uncertainties below 2%. However, NIR instruments need to be calibrated for each particular type of fuel, as they strongly depend on the sample typology and particle size. MW method also offered good recoveries (=93%) and expanded uncertainties of =7%, similarly to those offered by the reference method. The IR stove method offers recoveries =85%, but consistently lower than those provided by NIR and MW methods.
Keywords:
analysis, biomass, moisture, thermochemical conversion, supply
Topic:
Biomass Conversion for Bioenergy
Subtopic:
Production and Supply of Solid Fuels and Intermediates
Event:
29th European Biomass Conference and Exhibition
Session:
2DV.2.15
Pages:
682 - 686
ISBN:
978-88-89407-21-9
Paper DOI:
10.5071/29thEUBCE2021-2DV.2.15
Price:
FREE
