Considerations on factors affecting biochar densification behavior based on a multiparameter model

The optimization of upscaled biochar pelleting is limited by lack of knowledge regarding the effects of process parameters. A multiparameter model, coupled to a single pellet press unit, was for the first time applied to biochar production to predict the upscaled biochar pelleting process behavior. The model permits to estimate in a time and cost-effective way how the die friction forces, quantified through the pellet exiting pressure, are affected by the key process parameters. It was observed that to achieve acceptably low exiting pressures (in the order of 100 MPa), it was critical to produce biochar at high temperatures (e.g. 600 °C). Addition of water as a binder is also beneficial, wh…

Investigation on Ash Slagging Characteristics During Combustion of Biomass Pellets and Effect of Additives

This study reports a systematic investigation into ash slagging behavior during combustion of barley straw and barley husk pellets with or without additives in a residential pellet burner. The slagging tendencies of the pellets were evaluated based on the amount, chemistry, mineralogy, and morphology of inlet ash formed as slag and sintering degrees of residual ash. The barley straw and husk pellets showed high slagging tendencies with 39 and 54 wt % ingoing ash formed as slag. Analyses using X-ray fluorescence and scanning electron microcopy combined with energy-dispersive X-ray spectroscopy revealed high concentrations of K, Si, and Ca but a minor amount of P in barley straw slag. The sla…

Two alternative fuels for the reduction of GHG emissions in the steel industry: biocarbon and hydrogen

Effect of torrefaction on properties of pellets produced from woody biomass

Torrefaction has been recognized as a promising strategy to improve handling and storage properties of wood-based pellets, thus producing a uniform-quality commodity with high energy density and hydrophobicity. In this work, pellets produced from spruce stem wood, bark, and forest residues were torrefied in a bench-scale tubular reactor at 225 and 275 °C with two residence times (30 and 60 min). The effects of torrefaction on general properties, grindability, mechanical properties, hydrophobicity, and microstructure of the studied pellets were investigated. The increase of torrefaction severity reduced mass yields, but the heating values and the fixed carbon content of the torrefied pellets…

Analysis of optimal temperature, pressure and binder quantity for the production of biocarbon pellet to be used as a substitute for coke

In order to contribute to the decarbonization of the economy, efficient alternatives to coal and coke should be found not only in the power sector but also in the industrial sectors (like steel, silicon and manganese production) in which coal and coke are used as a reductant and for steel production also as a fuel. To this aim many research works have been focused on the development of a coke substitute based on woody biomass and known as “biocarbon”. There are still barriers to overcome, among them: the biocarbon low density, poor mechanical strength and high reactivity. In this paper a new biocarbon production methodology is proposed, based on: pyrolysis at 600 °C, densification (using py…