Wet torrefaction pre-treatment of yard waste to improve the fuel properties

Phuang, Ying Wei; Ng, Wee Zheng; Khaw, Shun Shun; Yap, Yong Yin; Gan, Suyin; Lee, Lai Yee; Thangalazhy‐Gopakumar, Suchithra

doi:10.1016/j.mset.2021.06.005

Cited by 10 publications

(9 citation statements)

References 40 publications

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“…Lately, much attention has also been paid to municipal organic wastes (MSW), such as yard wastes, plastics, kitchen waste, paper, wood, rubber, textiles, or any other complex components from the commercial [27], industrial [28], or residential sectors [29]. MSW can cause numerous serious issues, including GHG emissions and energy instability, or even environmental and public health problems [30].…”

Section: Introductionmentioning

confidence: 99%

The Evaluation of Torrefaction Efficiency for Lignocellulosic Materials Combined with Mixed Solid Wastes

2023

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The paper presents the results of research aimed at evaluating the possibility of using selected biomass wastes to produce solid biofuels. In this work, the thermochemical properties of two lignocellulosic biomasses, namely, miscantshus (Miscanthus × Giganteus) and hops (Humulus lupulus), and non-lignocellulosic biomass, namely, municipal solid waste, and their mixtures (micanthus + municipal solid waste and hops + municipal solid waste) were studied using the torrefaction process as the main method for investigation. The effects of various torrefaction temperatures (250, 300, and 350 °C) and times (30 and 60 min) were evaluated. Proximate and ultimate analyses were performed on the torrefied samples. The following can be stated: as the torrefaction temperature and time increased, mass and energy yields decreased while the higher heating values (HHVs) and fuel ratios (FRs) increased, together with carbon contents (C). In addition, energy on return investment (EROI) was studied; the maximum EROI of 28 was achieved for MSW biochar at 250 °C for 30 min. The results of studying greenhouse gas emissions (GHGs) showed a reduction of around 88% when using torrefied biochar as a substitute for coal. In sum, this study shows that torrefaction pre-treatment can improve the physicochemical properties of raw biomasses to a level comparable with coal, and could be helpful in better understanding the conversion of those biomasses into a valuable, solid biofuel.

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Section: Introductionmentioning

confidence: 99%

The Evaluation of Torrefaction Efficiency for Lignocellulosic Materials Combined with Mixed Solid Wastes

2023

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“…There would be cellulose degradation in addition to hemicellulose and lignin. In the literature, the influence of the W/B ratio was not relatively significant but showed an improvement in fuel properties (grindability and lowered AC); the low ratio allowed the highest energy yield to be achieved 7,15 . Low‐oxygenated compounds increase the hydrophobicity of torrefied biomass, thus enhancing combustion between 200 and 300°C 18 …”

Section: Resultsmentioning

confidence: 99%

“…Hemicellulose is more reactive at a temperature of 200°C in WT processes, followed by cellulose, which is soluble partially in a temperature within 230–260°C, and the lignin decomposition begins at about 260°C 26 . Hemicellulose decomposition at 200–220°C 7 was imminent, and the cellulose destruction was visible across the 200–260°C. The current DTG curve showed that hemicellulose is relatively absent for SNC, as no shoulder was formed, because the sample had undergone heat treatment early during the shea butter or oil extraction.…”

Section: Resultsmentioning

confidence: 99%

“…Furthermore, it effectively removes K, Ca, and Cl and maintains sulfur at ≤3 wt.%, which may address boiler unit agglomeration and slagging challenges 6 . Phuang et al studied WT of yard waste to improve its properties as an energy resource with reaction temperature and the water‐to‐biomass (W/B) ratio between 180 and 220°C and 10:1–30:1 respectively and showed that energy yields were in the range of 63.9%–74.4% 7 …”

Section: Introductionmentioning

confidence: 99%

“…6 Phuang et al studied WT of yard waste to improve its properties as an energy resource with reaction temperature and the water-to-biomass (W/B) ratio between 180 and 220 C and 10:1-30:1 respectively and showed that energy yields were in the range of 63.9%-74.4%. 7 Shea nut survives in areas with 400-to 800-mm yearly rainfall across the African continent and grows naturally from West Africa through to East Africa to the Ethiopian highlands, 8 while Nigeria and Ghana have large acreages of the shea nut tree. Although shea nut fruit is used in the food industry, soap making, and health care, obtaining accurate production data for shea nut fruit is challenging.…”

Section: Introductionmentioning

confidence: 99%

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Wet torrefaction of shea nut chaff to improve its fuel properties

Ibrahim,

Teoh,

Abakr

et al. 2023

Asia-Pacific J Chem Eng

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Biomass is a renewable alternative energy source with almost zero‐carbon footprint. This work focused on the physicochemical analysis and wet torrefaction of shea nut chaff (SNC) biomass. The SNC is a semi‐solid waste generated during the production process of shea nut butter and is least studied for its bioenergy potential. Wet torrefaction or hydrothermal carbonization studies of sun‐dried SNC were conducted at different temperatures (180–260°C), residence times (15–30 min) and water‐to‐biomass (W/B) ratios (5–15:1). Characterization studies of the torrefied biomass for different temperatures were conducted using thermogravimetric analysis (TGA), Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR) and field emission scanning electron microscopy (FESEM) analyses. The best‐fit analysis of variance (ANOVA) model for wet torrefaction mass yield was 2FI, with p‐values of <0.05, and a regression coefficient (R2) of 0.9443. The yield of torrefied SNC attained at 260°C, 45 bar, W/B ratio of 5, and 10‐min residence time was 55.5 wt.%, and the corresponding energy yield was 89.5%. Both temperature and W/B ratio had significant effect on torrefaction yield. There was a significant improvement in the volatile matter, fixed carbon, moisture, and heating value reduction in the torrefied SNC compared to the raw SNC making it a potential bioenergy source. However, high ash content is a major concern even after torrefaction.

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