A Study on the Impact of Temperature and Residence Time on the Torrefaction of Rice Husk and Sawdust
Authors: Usman MM, Garba MU, Manaseh A, Saka AA
DOI Info: http://doi.org/10.5281/zenodo.5805394
ABSTRACT
The use of fossil fuels such as coal has negative impacts on the environment. Biomass-based fuels will have a better sustainability footprint when compared to fossil fuels. In this study, biomass with little value which usually ends up as waste that constitute environmental pollution was used to produce energy-rich products through torrefaction. This study evaluates the impact of temperature and residence time on torrefaction of rice husk and sawdust respectively. The properties of the produced materials were determined through proximate analysis, ultimate analysis, and calorific value. Fixed carbon content from the proximate analysis showed an increase of 13.40% between the rice husk products (TRH300 and TRH350), produced at 300 and 350 oC respectively, while an increase of 2% was recorded for sawdust products, TSD15 and TSD20, produced at 15 and 20 minutes respectively. Volatile contents decreased with an increase in temperature and residence time. Ultimate analysis results showed an increase of 8.22% in elemental carbon for TRH300 to TRH350, and 3.1% for TSD15 to TSD20 respectively. The oxygen contents decreased as temperature and residence time were increased. The calorific value showed an increase of 6.29% for TRH300 to TRH350, and 3.04% for TSD15 to TSD20 respectively, with increased temperature and residence time.
Affiliations: Department of Chemical Engineering Technology, The Federal Polytechnic, Nasarawa, Nasarawa State, Nigeria.
Keywords: Torrefaction, Biomass, Residence-time, Temperature, Carbonisation
Published date: 2021/12/30
