[b]$ECTH[/b] ~ Torrefaction is the thermochemical treatment of biomass at 200 to 300 °C, carried out under atmospheric conditions and in the absence of oxygen. During the process the biomass partly decomposes, giving off various types of volatiles. The final product is the remaining solid, which is often referred to as torrefied biomass, or torrefied wood when produced from woody biomass.
Typically, 70% of the mass is retained as a solid product, containing approximately 90% of the initial energy content. The remaining 30% of the mass is converted into torrefaction gases, but contains only approximately 10% of the energy content of the biomass. Hence a considerable energy densification can be achieved, typically by a factor of 1.3 on mass basis. This example points out one of the fundamental advantages of the process, which is the high transition of the chemical energy from the feedstock to the torrefied product, while concurrently the fuel properties are improved.
In the 1930’s, the principles of torrefaction were first reported in relation to woody biomass. Research in France proved this application to produce a gasifier fuel. Since then, the process received only attention again when it was discovered that torrefied wood could be used as a reducing agent in metallurgic applications. This led to a demonstration plant, which was operated during the 1980's, but was dismantled again in the beginning of the 1990's. During the last five years, torrefaction has received new attention - now as pretreatment technology to upgrade biomass for energy production chains (co-combustion and gasification).
The key property that makes torrefied biomass attractive for co-firing in existing coal-fired power stations is its superior grindability compared to untreated or fresh biomass. After torrefaction biomass has lost its tenacious nature and partly its fibrous structure. Through torrefaction, biomass becomes more alike coal and so its size reduction characteristics. Torrefied biomass is more brittle of nature compared the biomass it was derived from. This is crucial for establishing the desired grindability, allowing torrefied biomass to run simultaneously with coal in existing coal-fired facilities.
Torrefaction can potentially be applied to a wide variety of biomass (softwood, hardwood, herbaceous, wastes) so that the range of biomass feedstock for biopellets can be enlarged seriously. ecoTECH Energy Group plans to obtain and apply a torrefaction technology to increase the energy output in biomass products and to provide a coal-like product with significant environmental advantages.
Torrefaction is a scientifically proven method for improving the properties of biomass as a fuel. The torrefied biomass has also proven to have hydrophobic (resistant to or avoiding wetting ) properties which are welcome during storage. From the pelletisation viewpoint, the implementation of torrefaction within the pelletisation process offers theoretical solutions to the problems encountered with the durability and biological degradation of biopellets.
Torrefied Wood Briquettes
“Green-fuel” fills a 40 year niche as industries transition from coal-fired energy to more earth-friendly methods. Currently, most coal-fired power generators around the world do not have a readily available “green” fuel, and the cost of converting / retrofitting existing combustion systems is not practicable to most.
To augment the fuel to meet mandated percentages of sustainable fuels content now demanded, many power generators have tried to utilize wood pellets and briquettes. However, most of the coal-fired power generators pulverize coal in ball mills and spray the ground fuel into the combustion zones. When wood in briquette or pellet form is ground in a ball mill, it forms stubbornly stringy mats and fibers that clog the system, making it an unfeasible solution for long-term use.
When wood is roasted, it becomes brittle at a certain temperature range and like a coffee bean; it can be shattered with a hammer into small crystalline shards. The fabricated nuggets from torrefaction look like coal, act like coal and burn like coal, except they have much greater heat energy by weight and are sustainably renewable, meeting the mandated criteria.
Customers for “green-fuel” biofuels make up two potential groups: Direct end-users including current coal-fuelled power companies, and commodities brokers.
Torrefied wood briquettes are now being used worldwide as an alternative fuel to coal. The key property that makes torrefied biomass attractive for co-firing in existing coal-fired power stations is its superior grindability compared to untreated or fresh biomass.
The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) has endorsed wood pellet heat as one of the cleanest-burning, most renewable energy sources on Earth. Briquettes are extremely dense and are produced with a low humidity content (below 10%) that allows them to be burn at very high combustion efficiency. Their high density permits compacted storage and reasonable transportation cost over long distances.
Summary of Advantages •No modifications to firing systems needed; no capital outlay required to burn the fuel.
•• No handling or storage modifications needed; can be stored in the coal piles.
•Will not deteriorate in inclement weather. Hydrophobic; hygroscopy actually less than coal.
•Even with old burners, it will produce lower NOx and zero SOx to lower emissions.
•Higher energy content; emissions reduction exceeds percentage of briquettes added.
•Carbon Credits: each ton of ecoTECH briquettes that are consumed reduces the CO2 output by 2.5 tons! Depending on the buyer and the prevailing cap & trade spot at the time, this amounts to a rebate of at least $75 per ton of briquettes used.
