Inert torrefaction of sugarcane bagasse to improve its fuel properties
Kanit Manatura
Abstract
The torrefaction performance and characteristics of sugarcane bagasse were examined in an inert environment. The influence of torrefaction temperature and duration time on the mass yield, enhancement factor, energy yield and chemical-physical properties were investigated. Characterizations of the torrefied biomass were studied using proximate and ultimate analysis, lignocellulose components, thermo gravimetric analysis and Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FT-IR). Results showed that the temperature for torrefaction affected on the chemical-physical properties while duration time was insignificant to the properties. Raising the torrefaction temperature up to 275 °C led to an increase in the energy density from 1.41 to 1.68 and decreases in the mass yield and energy yield from 80% to 54% and 89%–69%, respectively. The torrefaction process changed biomass samples due to carbohydrate degradation and increase of lignin together with the decrease in hemicellulose when the torrefaction temperature increased were found in the FT-IR and TGA and DTG curves. Torrefaction of sugarcane bagasse led to improve solid fuel quality were close to those of lignite, a low-rank coal.