Plant cells, or biomass, represent the world’s largest renewable resource. Biomass is commonly plant matter specifically grown to generate electricity or produce heat, but can also include wood, waste, gas and alcohol fuels. The most conventional way it can be utilized relies on direct incineration, and the energy density of wood biomass can be increased through torrefaction.
Torrefaction is the thermochemical process that reduces the moisture content of wood biomass and increases its energy density, transforming it into a charred material resembling charcoal. This process reduces the mass of wood by up to 30%, resulting in a denser, higher-valued product.
Heyl & Patterson’s torrefaction equipment allows wood to retain up to 90% of its energy value. The energy-dense end result can be co-fired with coal in electric power plants, or used alone as a total replacement for coal.
Torrefaction ReactorTorrefied wood is made by mild pyrolysis of biomass within a torrefaction reactor, or rotary calciner, at temperatures of 500-600° F (260-320° C).
This removes water and low boiling-point organics and partially breaks down cellulose, hemicellulose and lignin. Reaction gases can be captured and used as a supplemental fuel source for the process itself. Torrefaction achieves a stable moisture content of about 3%, reduction of mass by 30%, retention of 90% of original energy content and removal of smoke producing agents. Torrefied wood has a heating value of approximately 10,000 BTU/lb.
States relying on coal can benefit by replacing some of that coal with the renewable energy of torrefied wood. States with the highest coal use have the greatest opportunity to implement positive change by substituting torrefied wood for some of their coal.
For more information about the equipment used for torrefaction,
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