Wet torrefaction of typical Norwegian
biomass fuels was studied
within the temperature window of 175–225 °C, using a benchtop
autoclave reactor of 250 mL in volume from Parr Instrument. Two types
of local biomass fuels were employed as feedstock, Norway spruce (softwood)
and birch (hardwood). Effects of process parameters including pressure,
reaction temperature, holding time, and feedstock particle size on
the yield and properties of the solid products were investigated.
It appears that birch wood is more reactive and produces less solid
products than spruce wood in the same wet torrefaction conditions.
Increasing pressure above the saturated vapor pressure of water enhances
the torrefaction rate. Both reaction temperature and holding time
have significant effects on solid product yield and fuel properties
of wet torrefied biomass. The yield of solid products is slightly
reduced with decreasing feedstock particle size. The ash content of
biomass fuel is significantly reduced by wet torrefaction. In addition,
a comparison between wet and dry torrefaction supported by regression
analyses and numerical predictions shows that wet torrefaction can
produce solid fuels with greater heating values at much lower temperatures
and shorter holding times.
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