Title:
Hydrothermal Carbonization of Mixed Biomass: Experimental Investigation for an Optimal Valorisation of Agrofood Wastes
Author(s):
Di Giacomo, G., Gallifuoco, A., Taglieri, L.
Document(s):
Paper
Poster
Abstract:
Hydrothermal carbonization (HTC) of biomass is a well-known thermochemical process for increasing the energetic density of organic feedstock, but literature lacks sufficient data for designing flexible processes, possibly operating continuously. This work starts filling this gap, focusing on products, on mass and energy balances, and on the life cycle assessment for the energetic and environmental effectiveness. Attention is paid to energetic performances and end-products physic-chemical properties. European silver fir is prevalently used as model biomass in batch tests (T=200 °C and T=250 °C; t=15÷300 min). Solids (hydrochar) and liquids (biocrude) are analysed for the key parameters (solid/liquid yields, elemental analysis, calorific value, energetic density). The possible effect of process pressure is investigated up to P=50 MPa. The obtained hydrochar pellets demonstrate good hydrophobicity, high mass and energy density and a considerable carbon densification, thus confirming potential heat and power applications of this matrix. Furthermore preliminary tests show that similar results can be obtained a variety of matrices such as wastes of the agrofood industry. LCA analysis of preliminary process layouts gives optimal energy recovery and environmental impact.
Keywords:
biomass, life cycle assessment (LCA), torrefaction, agroindustrial residues
Topic:
Biomass Conversion Technologies for Liquid and Gaseous Fuels, Chemicals and Materials
Subtopic:
Production of thermally treated solid biofuels
Event:
24th European Biomass Conference and Exhibition
Session:
3DV.2.14
Pages:
1252 - 1255
ISBN:
978-88-89407-165
Paper DOI:
10.5071/24thEUBCE2016-3DV.2.14
Price:
FREE
