IDEAS home Printed from https://ideas.repec.org/a/gam/jeners/v14y2021i20p6772-d658431.html
   My bibliography  Save this article

Mechanical Durability and Grindability of Pellets after Torrefaction Process

Author

Listed:
  • Arkadiusz Dyjakon

    (Waste Biomass Valorization Group, Department of Applied Bioeconomy, The Wroclaw University of Environmental and Life Sciences, 51-630 Wroclaw, Poland)

  • Tomasz Noszczyk

    (Waste Biomass Valorization Group, Department of Applied Bioeconomy, The Wroclaw University of Environmental and Life Sciences, 51-630 Wroclaw, Poland)

  • Agata Mostek

    (Faculty of Life Sciences and Technology, The Wroclaw University of Environmental and Life Sciences, 51-630 Wroclaw, Poland)

Abstract

Renewable energy sources and their part in the global energy mix are beneficial to energy diversification and environment protection. However, raw biomass is characterized by low heating value, hydrophilic properties, various mechanical durability, and the logistic challenges related to transportation and storage. One frequently used process of combined biomass valorization is torrefaction and pelletization, which increase the heating value, homogeneity, and hydrophobicity of the fuel. However, industrial clients need fuel characterized by favorable grindability, whereas, the individual clients (householders) need fuel with high mechanical durability. Due to the different expectations of final customers regarding biomass fuel properties, it is necessary to investigate the influence of the torrefaction on the mechanical durability of the pellets. In this paper, five various types of pellets and their torreficates (obtained at a temperature of 200 and 300 °C) were examined. Then the mechanical durability index D U and the grindability of the untreated and torrefied pellets were determined. The results indicated that the mechanical durability of untorrefied pellets is significantly greater than torrefied pellets. Interestingly, no significant differences in mechanical durability between torrefied pellets at 200 and 300 °C were observed, For sunflower husk pellets, the D U index amounted to 95.28 ± 0.72 (untorrefied), 47.22% ± 0.28% (torrefied at 200 °C), and 46.34% ± 0.72% (torrefied at 300 °C). Considering the grindability, as the treatment temperature increased the energy demand for grindability decreased. For example, the grindability of pine tree pellets was 15.96 ± 3.07 Wh·kg −1 (untreated), 1.86 ± 0.31 Wh·kg −1 (torrefied at 200 °C), and 0.99 ± 0.17 Wh·kg −1 (torrefied at 300 °C). The highest difference between raw and torrefied pellets was determined for beetroot pomace pellet: 36.31 ± 2.06 Wh·kg −1 (untreated), 3.85 ± 0.47 Wh·kg −1 (torrefied at 200 °C), and 1.03 ± 0.12 Wh·kg −1 (torrefied at 300 °C).

Suggested Citation

  • Arkadiusz Dyjakon & Tomasz Noszczyk & Agata Mostek, 2021. "Mechanical Durability and Grindability of Pellets after Torrefaction Process," Energies, MDPI, vol. 14(20), pages 1-16, October.
  • Handle: RePEc:gam:jeners:v:14:y:2021:i:20:p:6772-:d:658431
    as

    Download full text from publisher

    File URL: https://www.mdpi.com/1996-1073/14/20/6772/pdf
    Download Restriction: no

    File URL: https://www.mdpi.com/1996-1073/14/20/6772/
    Download Restriction: no
    ---><---

    References listed on IDEAS

    as
    1. Chen, Wei-Hsin & Peng, Jianghong & Bi, Xiaotao T., 2015. "A state-of-the-art review of biomass torrefaction, densification and applications," Renewable and Sustainable Energy Reviews, Elsevier, vol. 44(C), pages 847-866.
    2. Sunyong Park & Seok Jun Kim & Kwang Cheol Oh & La Hoon Cho & Min Jun Kim & In Seon Jeong & Chung Geon Lee & Dae Hyun Kim, 2020. "Characteristic Analysis of Torrefied Pellets: Determining Optimal Torrefaction Conditions for Agri-Byproduct," Energies, MDPI, vol. 13(2), pages 1-14, January.
    3. Larsson, Sylvia H. & Rudolfsson, Magnus & Nordwaeger, Martin & Olofsson, Ingemar & Samuelsson, Robert, 2013. "Effects of moisture content, torrefaction temperature, and die temperature in pilot scale pelletizing of torrefied Norway spruce," Applied Energy, Elsevier, vol. 102(C), pages 827-832.
    4. Johanna Gaitán-Álvarez & Róger Moya & Allen Puente-Urbina & Ana Rodriguez-Zúñiga, 2018. "Thermogravimetric, Devolatilization Rate, and Differential Scanning Calorimetry Analyses of Biomass of Tropical Plantation Species of Costa Rica Torrefied at Different Temperatures and Times," Energies, MDPI, vol. 11(4), pages 1-26, March.
    5. Sher, Farooq & Yaqoob, Aqsa & Saeed, Farrukh & Zhang, Shengfu & Jahan, Zaib & Klemeš, Jiří Jaromír, 2020. "Torrefied biomass fuels as a renewable alternative to coal in co-firing for power generation," Energy, Elsevier, vol. 209(C).
    6. Chen, Wei-Hsin & Kuo, Po-Chih, 2010. "A study on torrefaction of various biomass materials and its impact on lignocellulosic structure simulated by a thermogravimetry," Energy, Elsevier, vol. 35(6), pages 2580-2586.
    7. Jasiulewicz, Michał, 2014. "Potencjał Energetyczny Biomasy Rolniczej W Aspekcie Realizacji Przez Polskę Narodowego Celu Wskaźnikowego Oze I Dyrektyw Ue W 2020 Roku," Roczniki (Annals), Polish Association of Agricultural Economists and Agribusiness - Stowarzyszenie Ekonomistow Rolnictwa e Agrobiznesu (SERiA), vol. 2014(1).
    8. Nunes, L.J.R. & Matias, J.C.O. & Catalão, J.P.S., 2014. "A review on torrefied biomass pellets as a sustainable alternative to coal in power generation," Renewable and Sustainable Energy Reviews, Elsevier, vol. 40(C), pages 153-160.
    9. Niu, Yanqing & Lv, Yuan & Lei, Yu & Liu, Siqi & Liang, Yang & Wang, Denghui & Hui, Shi'en, 2019. "Biomass torrefaction: properties, applications, challenges, and economy," Renewable and Sustainable Energy Reviews, Elsevier, vol. 115(C).
    10. Hamid Gilvari & Wiebren De Jong & Dingena L. Schott, 2020. "The Effect of Biomass Pellet Length, Test Conditions and Torrefaction on Mechanical Durability Characteristics According to ISO Standard 17831-1," Energies, MDPI, vol. 13(11), pages 1-16, June.
    11. Rodolfo Picchio & Francesco Latterini & Rachele Venanzi & Walter Stefanoni & Alessandro Suardi & Damiano Tocci & Luigi Pari, 2020. "Pellet Production from Woody and Non-Woody Feedstocks: A Review on Biomass Quality Evaluation," Energies, MDPI, vol. 13(11), pages 1-20, June.
    12. Arkadiusz Dyjakon & Tomasz Noszczyk & Martyna Smędzik, 2019. "The Influence of Torrefaction Temperature on Hydrophobic Properties of Waste Biomass from Food Processing," Energies, MDPI, vol. 12(24), pages 1-17, December.
    13. Arkadiusz Dyjakon & Tomasz Noszczyk, 2019. "The Influence of Freezing Temperature Storage on the Mechanical Durability of Commercial Pellets from Biomass," Energies, MDPI, vol. 12(13), pages 1-13, July.
    14. Sikkema, Richard & Proskurina, Svetlana & Banja, Manjola & Vakkilainen, Esa, 2021. "How can solid biomass contribute to the EU’s renewable energy targets in 2020, 2030 and what are the GHG drivers and safeguards in energy- and forestry sectors?," Renewable Energy, Elsevier, vol. 165(P1), pages 758-772.
    Full references (including those not matched with items on IDEAS)

    Citations

    Citations are extracted by the CitEc Project, subscribe to its RSS feed for this item.
    as


    Cited by:

    1. Adeleke, Adekunle A. & Ikubanni, Peter P. & Emmanuel, Stephen S. & Fajobi, Moses O. & Nwachukwu, Praise & Adesibikan, Ademidun A. & Odusote, Jamiu K. & Adeyemi, Emmanuel O. & Abioye, Oluwaseyi M. & Ok, 2024. "A comprehensive review on the similarity and disparity of torrefied biomass and coal properties," Renewable and Sustainable Energy Reviews, Elsevier, vol. 199(C).
    2. Elena Butnaru & Mihai Brebu, 2022. "The Thermochemical Conversion of Forestry Residues from Silver Fir ( Abies alba Mill.) by Torrefaction and Pyrolysis," Energies, MDPI, vol. 15(10), pages 1-20, May.
    3. Grzegorz Czerski, 2022. "Pyrolysis and Gasification of Biomass and Waste," Energies, MDPI, vol. 15(19), pages 1-5, October.

    Most related items

    These are the items that most often cite the same works as this one and are cited by the same works as this one.
    1. Arkadiusz Dyjakon & Tomasz Noszczyk, 2020. "Alternative Fuels from Forestry Biomass Residue: Torrefaction Process of Horse Chestnuts, Oak Acorns, and Spruce Cones," Energies, MDPI, vol. 13(10), pages 1-19, May.
    2. Ong, Hwai Chyuan & Yu, Kai Ling & Chen, Wei-Hsin & Pillejera, Ma Katreena & Bi, Xiaotao & Tran, Khanh-Quang & Pétrissans, Anelie & Pétrissans, Mathieu, 2021. "Variation of lignocellulosic biomass structure from torrefaction: A critical review," Renewable and Sustainable Energy Reviews, Elsevier, vol. 152(C).
    3. Adeleke, Adekunle A. & Ikubanni, Peter P. & Emmanuel, Stephen S. & Fajobi, Moses O. & Nwachukwu, Praise & Adesibikan, Ademidun A. & Odusote, Jamiu K. & Adeyemi, Emmanuel O. & Abioye, Oluwaseyi M. & Ok, 2024. "A comprehensive review on the similarity and disparity of torrefied biomass and coal properties," Renewable and Sustainable Energy Reviews, Elsevier, vol. 199(C).
    4. Chen, Yun-Chun & Chen, Wei-Hsin & Lin, Bo-Jhih & Chang, Jo-Shu & Ong, Hwai Chyuan, 2016. "Impact of torrefaction on the composition, structure and reactivity of a microalga residue," Applied Energy, Elsevier, vol. 181(C), pages 110-119.
    5. Arkadiusz Dyjakon & Tomasz Noszczyk & Łukasz Sobol & Dominika Misiakiewicz, 2021. "Influence of Torrefaction Temperature and Climatic Chamber Operation Time on Hydrophobic Properties of Agri-Food Biomass Investigated Using the EMC Method," Energies, MDPI, vol. 14(17), pages 1-19, August.
    6. Stolarski, Mariusz J. & Stachowicz, Paweł & Dudziec, Paweł, 2022. "Wood pellet quality depending on dendromass species," Renewable Energy, Elsevier, vol. 199(C), pages 498-508.
    7. Adrian Knapczyk & Sławomir Francik & Marcin Jewiarz & Agnieszka Zawiślak & Renata Francik, 2020. "Thermal Treatment of Biomass: A Bibliometric Analysis—The Torrefaction Case," Energies, MDPI, vol. 14(1), pages 1-31, December.
    8. Tadeusz Mączka & Halina Pawlak-Kruczek & Lukasz Niedzwiecki & Edward Ziaja & Artur Chorążyczewski, 2020. "Plasma Assisted Combustion as a Cost-Effective Way for Balancing of Intermittent Sources: Techno-Economic Assessment for 200 MW el Power Unit," Energies, MDPI, vol. 13(19), pages 1-16, September.
    9. Chai, Meiyun & Xie, Li & Yu, Xi & Zhang, Xingguang & Yang, Yang & Rahman, Md. Maksudur & Blanco, Paula H. & Liu, Ronghou & Bridgwater, Anthony V. & Cai, Junmeng, 2021. "Poplar wood torrefaction: Kinetics, thermochemistry and implications," Renewable and Sustainable Energy Reviews, Elsevier, vol. 143(C).
    10. Abdulyekeen, Kabir Abogunde & Umar, Ahmad Abulfathi & Patah, Muhamad Fazly Abdul & Daud, Wan Mohd Ashri Wan, 2021. "Torrefaction of biomass: Production of enhanced solid biofuel from municipal solid waste and other types of biomass," Renewable and Sustainable Energy Reviews, Elsevier, vol. 150(C).
    11. Hamid Gilvari & Wiebren De Jong & Dingena L. Schott, 2020. "The Effect of Biomass Pellet Length, Test Conditions and Torrefaction on Mechanical Durability Characteristics According to ISO Standard 17831-1," Energies, MDPI, vol. 13(11), pages 1-16, June.
    12. Batidzirai, B. & Mignot, A.P.R. & Schakel, W.B. & Junginger, H.M. & Faaij, A.P.C., 2013. "Biomass torrefaction technology: Techno-economic status and future prospects," Energy, Elsevier, vol. 62(C), pages 196-214.
    13. Abdulyekeen, Kabir Abogunde & Daud, Wan Mohd Ashri Wan & Patah, Muhamad Fazly Abdul, 2024. "Torrefaction of wood and garden wastes from municipal solid waste to enhanced solid fuel using helical screw rotation-induced fluidised bed reactor: Effect of particle size, helical screw speed and te," Energy, Elsevier, vol. 293(C).
    14. Leonel J. R. Nunes & João C. O. Matias, 2020. "Biomass Torrefaction as a Key Driver for the Sustainable Development and Decarbonization of Energy Production," Sustainability, MDPI, vol. 12(3), pages 1-9, January.
    15. Sergio Paniagua & Alba Prado-Guerra & Ana Isabel Neto & Teresa Nunes & Luís Tarelho & Célia Alves & Luis Fernando Calvo, 2020. "Influence of Varieties and Organic Fertilizer in the Elaboration of a New Poplar-Straw Pellet and Its Emissions in a Domestic Boiler," Energies, MDPI, vol. 13(23), pages 1-17, November.
    16. Moya, Roger & Rodríguez-Zúñiga, Ana & Puente-Urbina, Allen & Gaitán-Álvarez, Johanna, 2018. "Study of light, middle and severe torrefaction and effects of extractives and chemical compositions on torrefaction process by thermogravimetric analysis in five fast-growing plantations of Costa Rica," Energy, Elsevier, vol. 149(C), pages 1-10.
    17. Yun, Huimin & Clift, Roland & Bi, Xiaotao, 2020. "Process simulation, techno-economic evaluation and market analysis of supply chains for torrefied wood pellets from British Columbia: Impacts of plant configuration and distance to market," Renewable and Sustainable Energy Reviews, Elsevier, vol. 127(C).
    18. Ping Wang & Bret H. Howard, 2017. "Impact of Thermal Pretreatment Temperatures on Woody Biomass Chemical Composition, Physical Properties and Microstructure," Energies, MDPI, vol. 11(1), pages 1-20, December.
    19. Hao Luo & Lukasz Niedzwiecki & Amit Arora & Krzysztof Mościcki & Halina Pawlak-Kruczek & Krystian Krochmalny & Marcin Baranowski & Mayank Tiwari & Anshul Sharma & Tanuj Sharma & Zhimin Lu, 2020. "Influence of Torrefaction and Pelletizing of Sawdust on the Design Parameters of a Fixed Bed Gasifier," Energies, MDPI, vol. 13(11), pages 1-19, June.
    20. Jorge Miguel Carneiro Ribeiro & Radu Godina & João Carlos de Oliveira Matias & Leonel Jorge Ribeiro Nunes, 2018. "Future Perspectives of Biomass Torrefaction: Review of the Current State-Of-The-Art and Research Development," Sustainability, MDPI, vol. 10(7), pages 1-17, July.

    Corrections

    All material on this site has been provided by the respective publishers and authors. You can help correct errors and omissions. When requesting a correction, please mention this item's handle: RePEc:gam:jeners:v:14:y:2021:i:20:p:6772-:d:658431. See general information about how to correct material in RePEc.

    If you have authored this item and are not yet registered with RePEc, we encourage you to do it here. This allows to link your profile to this item. It also allows you to accept potential citations to this item that we are uncertain about.

    If CitEc recognized a bibliographic reference but did not link an item in RePEc to it, you can help with this form .

    If you know of missing items citing this one, you can help us creating those links by adding the relevant references in the same way as above, for each refering item. If you are a registered author of this item, you may also want to check the "citations" tab in your RePEc Author Service profile, as there may be some citations waiting for confirmation.

    For technical questions regarding this item, or to correct its authors, title, abstract, bibliographic or download information, contact: MDPI Indexing Manager (email available below). General contact details of provider: https://www.mdpi.com .

    Please note that corrections may take a couple of weeks to filter through the various RePEc services.

    IDEAS is a RePEc service. RePEc uses bibliographic data supplied by the respective publishers.