Effect of biomass composition on the condensable gas yield from torrefaction of plant residues

Abstract

This work assessed the effect of biomass composition (ash, volatile matter and fixed carbon content, carbon, hydrogen and nitrogen content, lignin, extractives and holocellulose content) on the condensable gas yield from the torrefaction of rice husk (Oryza sativa L.), jatropha seed husk (Jatropha curcas L.), elephant grass (Pennisetum purpureum Schum. var. mineiro); sugarcane bagasse (Sacharum officinarum L.) and bamboo (Bambusa vulgaris ex J.C. Wendl. var. vulgaris). Biomasses with a particle size between 0.5 mm and 1.0 mm were subjected to torrefaction process using a temperature gradient varying from 250 °C to 300 °C, for 15 min, with a heating rate of 20 °C min-1. Five trials were conducted for each biomass and solid, liquid and gas yields were obtained. The holocellulose and the volatile matter content of biomass showed a positive and significant correlation with condensable yield. The ash content showed a negative and significant correlation with condensable yield. There was no significant correlation between the elementary chemical composition and the condensable yield.