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Pelleting torrefied biomass at pilot-scale – Quality and implications for co-firing

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  • Agar, David A.
  • Rudolfsson, Magnus
  • Lavergne, Simon
  • Melkior, Thierry
  • Da Silva Perez, Denilson
  • Dupont, Capucine
  • Campargue, Matthieu
  • Kalén, Gunnar
  • Larsson, Sylvia H.

Abstract

The co-firing of solid biofuels in coal plants is an attractive and fast-track means of cutting emissions but its potential is linked to biomass densification. For torrefied materials this topic is under-represented in literature. This pilot-scale (121–203 kg h−1) pelleting study generated detailed knowledge on the densification of torrefied biomass compared to untreated biomass. Four feedstock with high supply availability (beech, poplar, wheat straw and corn cob) were studied in their untreated and torrefied forms. Systematic methods were used to produce 180 batches of 8 mm dia. pellets using press channel length (PCL) and moisture content (MC) ranges of 30–60 mm and 7.3–16.6% (wet basis) respectively. Analysis showed that moderate degrees of torrefaction (250–280 °C, 20–75 min) strongly affected pelleting behaviour. The highest quality black pellets had a mechanical durability and bulk density range of 87.5–98.7% and 662–697 kg m−3 respectively. Pelleting energy using torrefied feedstock varied from −15 to +53 kWh t−1 from untreated with increases in production fines. Optimal pelleting MC and PCL were reduced significantly for torrefied feedstock and pellet quality was characterised by a decrease in mechanical durability and an increase in bulk density. Energy densities of 11.9–13.2 GJ m−3 (as received) were obtained.

Suggested Citation

  • Agar, David A. & Rudolfsson, Magnus & Lavergne, Simon & Melkior, Thierry & Da Silva Perez, Denilson & Dupont, Capucine & Campargue, Matthieu & Kalén, Gunnar & Larsson, Sylvia H., 2021. "Pelleting torrefied biomass at pilot-scale – Quality and implications for co-firing," Renewable Energy, Elsevier, vol. 178(C), pages 766-774.
    • Handle: RePEc:eee:renene:v:178:y:2021:i:c:p:766-774
    DOI: 10.1016/j.renene.2021.06.094
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    References listed on IDEAS

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    1. Cheng, Wei & Shao, Jing'ai & Zhu, Youjian & Zhang, Wennan & Jiang, Hao & Hu, Junhao & Zhang, Xiong & Yang, Haiping & Chen, Hanping, 2022. "Effect of oxidative torrefaction on particulate matter emission from agricultural biomass pellet combustion in comparison with non-oxidative torrefaction," Renewable Energy, Elsevier, vol. 189(C), pages 39-51.
    2. Sui, Haiqing & Chen, Jianfeng & Cheng, Wei & Zhu, Youjian & Zhang, Wennan & Hu, Junhao & Jiang, Hao & Shao, Jing'ai & Chen, Hanping, 2024. "Effect of oxidative torrefaction on fuel and pelletizing properties of agricultural biomass in comparison with non-oxidative torrefaction," Renewable Energy, Elsevier, vol. 226(C).
    3. San Miguel, G. & Sánchez, F. & Pérez, A. & Velasco, L., 2022. "One-step torrefaction and densification of woody and herbaceous biomass feedstocks," Renewable Energy, Elsevier, vol. 195(C), pages 825-840.

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