Torrefaction of Norwegian Birch and Spruce: An Experimental Study Using Macro-TGA

• DOI: 10.1021/ef300993q
• Publication Date: 2012-07-18T22:52:35Z
• Authors: Dhruv Tapasvi; Roger Khalil; Øyvind Skreiberg; Khanh-Quang Tran; Morten Grønli
• Keywords: Torrefaction; Thermogravimetric analysis; Solid fuel

This work aims to analyze the torrefaction process with Norwegian birch and spruce as feedstocks. Torrefaction experiments were performed in a macro-TGA (thermogravimetric analysis) reactor provisions for continuous volatile measurements through micro-GC (gas chromatography) FTIR (Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy). The temperature (225 275 °C), holdup time (30 60 min), sample size (10 40 mm cubes) included variations experimental matrix. Fuel characterizations, DTG (derivative thermogravimetric) curves, product yields, hydrophobicity tests, grinding energies, particle-size distributions are discussed. raw fuels used reference comparisons. It was found that has higher devolatilization rate than under all tested conditions, resulting larger percentage increase its carbon content. An strongest effect on properties of torrefied among studied parameters. At °C, solid yield decreased 63% 75% spruce, respectively. In terms properties, samples absorbed approximately one-third moisture compared fuels. total energy up 40–88% both increased fine particles (<180 μm) most samples. Overall, considerable improvements observed products Results obtained from this study form basis feasibility Norway.