Title:
Evaluation of the Energy Potential of Red Mangrove Litter (Rhizophora Mangle) as Biofuel through Torrefaction
Author(s):
Velazquez-Araque, L., Chicaiza-Rodríguez, M., Palacios-Franco, J., Cárdenas-Calle, M.
Document(s):
Paper
Poster
Abstract:
In this work, the energy potential of red mangrove (Rhizophora mangle) litter from ¨Estero Salado¨, specifically on the banks of the “Malecón Universitario” located in the city of Guayaquil, Ecuador as densified and torrefied solid biofuel was evaluated. A pellet configuration in size of 6 mm in diameter and 80% dry mangrove litter and 20% binder material in composition, was made using a pellet machine followed by a torrefaction process carried out at 230 °C and finally burned in a combustion chamber for evaluation of the energy potential. The physicochemical characterization of the raw and torrefied pellets was performed taking as reference the ISO 17225-6: 2014 and ISO/TS 17225-8: 2016 standards. Results are in good agreement in terms of heating value, ash percentage, moisture, durability, and density in both cases. After torrefaction, an enhancement factor of 1.26 for heating value, decrease in diameter, length, and particle density of 6.16%, 7.44% and 12.57%, respectively is observed as well as, lower rate of mass loss during combustion at 300 °C and a considerable increase in hydrophobicity. It turns out that the red mangrove litter shows a high energy potential for small-scale applications. Torrefaction evidenced improvements in energy content in high humidity conditions and a significative increase in hydrophobicity, showing improvements in energetic application and storage.
Keywords:
bioenergy, torrefaction, biomass pellets, mangrove litter
Topic:
Biomass Conversion to Intermediate Bioenergy Carriers, Sustainable Biofuels and Bio-Based Products
Subtopic:
Production of Thermally Treated Solid Fuels
Event:
29th European Biomass Conference and Exhibition
Session:
3DV.6.11
Pages:
1038 - 1046
ISBN:
978-88-89407-21-9
Paper DOI:
10.5071/29thEUBCE2021-3DV.6.11
Price:
FREE
