Thermal Decomposition and Kinetic Parameters of Three Biomass Feedstocks for the Performance of the Gasification Process Using a Thermogravimetric Analyzer

Abstract

Thermogravimetric analysis (TGA) is a powerful technique and useful method for characterizing biomass as a non-conventional fuel. A TGA apparatus has been utilized to experimentally investigate the impact of biomass feedstock diversity on the performance of the gasification of hardwood (HW), softwood (SW) pellets, and refuse-derived fuel (RDF) materials. The solid conversion rate and the volatile species formation rate have been estimated to quantify the rates of devolatilization for each material. In addition, the combustion kinetic characteristics of the three biomass feedstocks were investigated using TGA at different heating rates, and a thermal kinetic analysis was conducted to describe the gasification process. Therefore, the kinetic parameters have been evaluated for different thermal reactions and non-isothermal kinetic models that depend on the relationships between heating rates and temperature profiles. The results show that the amount of tar content from the RDF was higher than that of pure hardwood and softwood feedstocks. Hence, tar removal must be part of any process using syngas produced from RDF feedstocks in a gas engine to produce electricity.

Comprehensive Analysis of Industrial Solid-Waste-to-Energy by Refuse-Derived Fuel Technology: A Case Study in Shanghai

“…Various standards exist for the preparation of RDF. The current RDF standard, developed by the European Association of Specialized Waste Heat Treatment Companies in Belgium, serves as an alternative fuel for waste incineration in cement plants [16]. A summary of the standard is presented in Table 1, illustrating the inclusion of several fundamental parameters for quality evaluation [14].…”

“…RDF could contribute to significant waste volume reduction and energy recovery, and some industries are increasingly interested in RDF as a fuel substituted source, including Sustainability 2024, 16, 4234 2 of 15 cement and power industries, along with industrial boilers. Energy-intensive industries like cement, paper, chemicals, and power generation in Germany are exploring RDF for co-combustion in existing plants or dedicated boilers [6].…”