Impact of torrefaction on biomass properties depending on temperature and operation time.

Abstract Torrefaction is an effective way to upgrade biomass for producing fuels. The experimental results of torrefaction for three materials, oak wood, mixed wood mainly from deciduous trees and sewage sludge are presented. The comparison between three materials is performed to evaluate the influence of temperature and time on torrefaction operation. The influence of the operating temperature and time was analysed in order to determine optimal operation parameters for the newly developed process which has been patented. Properties, such as heating value, mass loss, chemical compositions, energy yield and enhancement factor were investigated. The results show that from an energy point of view the optimal operation time for oak and mixed wood is around 1.2 h at 260 °C. The torrefaction of sewage sludge is energetically unjustified. The highest carbon loss is shown for mixed wood, following by sewage sludge and oak wood. Torrefaction severity index was established based on the, most severe conditions. Torrefaction severity index could be applied as an indicator for prediction of torrefaction efficiency of chosen material.