145 results on '"biocoal"'
Search Results
2. Activated Carbon and P-Rich Fertilizer Production from Industrial Sludge by Application of an Integrated Thermo-Chemical Treatment.
- Author
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Salimbeni, Andrea, Di Bianca, Marta, Rizzo, Andrea Maria, and Chiaramonti, David
- Abstract
The cost and environmental impact of sludge disposal methods highlight the necessity of new solutions for resource recovery. This study aims at concurrently producing activated carbon while recovering phosphorous by applying an integrated thermo-chemical treatment to a sludge of industrial origin. The sludge was first subjected to slow pyrolysis on a laboratory scale at different temperatures, and the produced chars were processed by leaching to obtain biocoal. Leaching tests enabled us to define the optimal slow pyrolysis temperatures to maximize leaching performances. Then, sludge was processed in a slow pyrolysis pilot-scale plant, and the produced char was subjected to acid leaching and finally to physical activation. Chemical precipitation was then applied to the liquid leachate to recover phosphorous as a salt. Laboratory-scale slow pyrolysis and leaching tests showed that a higher pyrolysis temperature leads to a lower degree of demineralization by leaching. Leaching enabled us to reduce the char ash content by almost 88%, extracting 100% P, Mg, Ca, and Fe and almost 90% Al. Physical activation of biocoal with CO
2 at 700 and 800 °C produced materials with a surface area of 353 and 417 m2 g−1 , respectively, that make them potentially applicable as adsorbents in wastewater treatment or in industrial emissions processes. Moreover, the activated carbons showed the atomic H/C and O/C ratios of anthracite, which opens a wide range of alternative market applications to fossil coal, such as metallurgy and the advanced material sector. In addition, the high P and K concentrations in the salt obtained by precipitation make it a promising fertilizing product in line with the current regulations. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]- Published
- 2023
- Full Text
- View/download PDF
3. Mechanisms of Low-Temperature Processes of Biomass Conversion (A Review).
- Author
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Kulikova, M. V., Krylova, A. Yu., Krysanova, K. O., Kulikov, A. B., and Maximov, A. L.
- Subjects
BIOMASS conversion ,HYDROTHERMAL carbonization ,LIGNITE ,ENERGY density ,HEMICELLULOSE ,CARBONIZATION - Abstract
Torrefaction and hydrothermal carbonization are low-temperature thermochemical procedures for the biomass conversion to biocoal, a carbon-neutral analog of fossil coal. Biocoals, compared to untreated biomass, exhibit hydrophobic properties, increased energy density, and calorific value similar to that of brown coals. The two processing methods differ essentially in that hydrothermal carbonization is performed in the presence of a large amount of water as reaction medium; hence, the biocoal formation mechanisms will be different for each process. Papers dealing with specific features of low-temperature heat treatment of biomass and with regular trends in conversion of biomass structural components (cellulose, hemicellulose, lignin) in the course of torrefaction and hydrothermal carbonization are considered in the review. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]
- Published
- 2023
- Full Text
- View/download PDF
4. The Use of Organic Additives for Replanted Soil in Apple Tree Production in a Fruit Tree Nursery.
- Author
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Zydlik, Zofia, Zydlik, Piotr, Jarosz, Zbigniew, and Wieczorek, Robert
- Subjects
PHOTOSYNTHETIC rates ,SOIL conditioners ,LEAF area ,TREE growth ,FRUIT trees ,AGRICULTURE - Abstract
How soil is used affects its production characteristics in the future. Under ARD (Apple Replant Disease) conditions, replanted soil's physical, chemical and biological properties deteriorate. Their improvement is possible through, for example, increasing the content of organic matter in the soil. The study aimed to assess the effect of two organic additives for replanted soil on its physical, chemical and biological properties, as well as on the vegetative growth of apple trees of the 'Gala Schniga SchniCo(s)' cultivar grafted on M.9 rootstock. The experiment was performed in 2021, in western Poland, on a nursery farm. The trees were planted in pots filled with soil from two stations: soil previously used for the production of apple trees (replanted soil) and nursery material (agricultural soil) unused for production so far. To fertilise it, three different portions of biocarbon and Carbomat Eco soil conditioner were added to the replanted soil. The experiment showed that apple trees grown on replanted soil had fewer side shoots, a smaller leaf area and a lower mass of leaves than those grown on agricultural soil. Furthermore, supplementation of replanted soil with organic additives caused a significant increase in its enzymatic activity and respiration, increased the rate of photosynthesis and improved several parameters determining the strength of vegetative growth in apple trees. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]
- Published
- 2023
- Full Text
- View/download PDF
5. Opportunities of Integrating Slow Pyrolysis and Chemical Leaching for Extraction of Critical Raw Materials from Sewage Sludge.
- Author
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Salimbeni, Andrea, Di Bianca, Marta, Lombardi, Giacomo, Rizzo, Andrea Maria, and Chiaramonti, David
- Subjects
CHEMICAL processes ,RAW materials ,LEACHING ,PYROLYSIS ,SEWAGE sludge ,INORGANIC compounds - Abstract
Slow pyrolysis is a promising technology to convert sewage sludge into char: a stable solid product with high carbon and phosphorus content. However, due to its heavy metals content, char use in agriculture is avoided in many European Union (EU) countries. This study aimed to test a solution, based on integrating slow pyrolysis and chemical leaching, to separate phosphorus and other inorganics from char, obtaining an inorganic P-rich fertiliser and a C-rich solid usable for industrial purposes. The sludge was first characterized and then processed in a 3 kg/h slow pyrolysis reactor at 450 °C for 30 min. The resulting char was processed by chemical leaching with acid (HCl, HNO
3 ) and alkali (KOH) reagents to extract inorganic compounds. To optimize the inorganic extraction, three case studies have been considered. The char obtained from sewage sludge pyrolysis contained around 78% d.b. (dry basis) of inorganics, 14% d.b. of C, 14% d.b. of Al, and almost 5% d.b. of P. The leaching tests enabled to extract 100% of P, Mg, and Ca from the char. The remaining char contained mainly carbon (27%) and silica (42%), with a surface area of up to 70 m2 /g, usable as adsorbent or precursor of sustainable materials. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]- Published
- 2023
- Full Text
- View/download PDF
6. Production of biocoal from wastewater sludge and sugarcane bagasse using hydrothermal carbonization.
- Author
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Mkhwanazi, Zinhle and Isa, Yusuf M.
- Subjects
- *
HYDROTHERMAL carbonization , *SEWAGE sludge , *RENEWABLE energy sources , *BAGASSE , *RENEWABLE natural resources , *POWER resources - Abstract
The growing demand for fuel in South Africa coupled with the depletion of fossil fuel reserves demonstrates the need for alternative energy sources. A renewable resource such as biomass can be optimized as an energy source. Wastewater sludge and bagasse have the energy potential to produce high calorific value biocoal; this will contribute to the supply of energy in South Africa. The synthesis of biocoal from wastewater sludge and bagasse through an artificial synthetic coal production process, i.e. hydrothermal carbonization, is preferred over other thermal conversion techniques as hydrothermal carbonization is capable of handling feed having a high (75--90%) moisture content. In this study, wastewater sludge and sugarcane bagasse were subjected to hydrothermal carbonization, and the effect of temperature was explored at 180, 210, 240 and 260°C. Variation of the ratio of dry sludge to bagasse of 100:0, 80:20, 60:40, 40:60, 20:80 and 0:100 and the composition of solid to liquid (solid loading wt%) of 1:10, 2:10, 3:10 and 4:10 (SB:H2O) corresponding to 9.09, 16.67, 23.08 and 28.57 wt% loading was investigated. The results obtained in this study reveal that solid loading, temperature, biomass type and ratio variation had a substantial impact on the yield and calorific value of the biocoal produced. The highest biocoal yield of 23.36 wt% was achieved at 210°C and derived from sludge/bagasse with a sludge content of 20%. Across all of the runs, the highest calorific value of 20.21 MJ kg-1 was achieved at 260°C when pure bagasse was employed (0% sludge content). [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]
- Published
- 2023
- Full Text
- View/download PDF
7. Production of Biocoal from Wastewater Sludge and Sugarcane Bagasse: A Review.
- Author
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Mkhwanazi, Zinhle, Isa, Yusuf Makarfi, and Vallabh, Shadana. T.
- Subjects
- *
SEWAGE sludge , *BAGASSE , *RENEWABLE energy sources , *SUGARCANE , *RENEWABLE natural resources , *HYDROTHERMAL carbonization , *POWER resources - Abstract
The rising volume of wastewater sludge and sugarcane bagasse is becoming a prominent concern globally. Furthermore, the growing demand for fuel coupled with the depletion of fossil fuel reserves in South Africa demonstrates the need for alternative energy sources. To minimize the reliance on fossil-based energy sources, a renewable resource such as biomass can be optimized as an energy source. Wastewater sludge and bagasse have the energy potential to produce high-calorific-value biocoal; this will contribute to the supply of energy in South Africa. The synthesis of biocoal from wastewater sludge and bagasse through an artificial synthetic coal production process, i.e., hydrothermal carbonization (HTC), is preferred over other thermal conversion techniques as HTC is capable of handling feed having a high (75–90%) moisture content. This article focuses on the production of biocoal from wastewater sludge and sugarcane bagasse as an alternative to sustainable bioenergy supply and as one of the potential solutions for reducing net CO2 greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions from fossil-fuel power plants, and addresses the use of different thermochemical technologies, previous studies on the composition of wastewater sludge and bagasse, and the benefits of hydrothermal carbonization. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]
- Published
- 2023
- Full Text
- View/download PDF
8. Comparative study of solid biofuels derived from sugarcane leaves with two different thermochemical conversion methods: wet and dry torrefaction.
- Author
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Khempila, Jarunee, Kongto, Pumin, and Meena, Pattanapol
- Subjects
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BIOMASS energy , *LIGNITE , *DESULFURIZATION , *SUGARCANE , *INFRARED spectroscopy , *CO-combustion , *COMPARATIVE studies - Abstract
This work describes the conversion of sugarcane leaves into biocoal with two thermal processes: wet torrefaction (subcritical water, 175–250 °C) and dry torrefaction (nitrogen atmosphere, 225–300 °C). The residence time was 30 min for both processes. The effects on physical and energy characteristics, including mass and energy yield, proximate and ultimate analyses, fiber analysis, higher heating value (HHV), structural parameters determined by Fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy, and O/C and H/C atomic ratios were used for comparisons. The results showed that increasing the reaction temperature lowers the mass yield; however, it also significantly improves the fuel ratio of torrefied samples. The highest HHV of wet and dry-torrefied samples were 23.31 and 22.07 MJ/kg, respectively. The best removal of ash and sulfur content was obtained under wet torrefaction. Moreover, wet torrefaction was recommended as a suitable process for hemicellulose depolymerization. At 250 °C, the wet-torrefied sample had the highest fuel ratio (0.48) and was suited for biomass co-firing. The finding that wet-torrefied samples reached the same range of lignite at lower reaction temperatures than dry-torrefied samples was particularly intriguing. Torrefaction at the temperatures below 250 °C did not prove to have a statistically significant effect on the energy properties of the dry-torrefied samples. Therefore, wet torrefaction is a promising process in the thermochemical conversion of sugarcane leaves into solid biofuel. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]
- Published
- 2022
- Full Text
- View/download PDF
9. The Use of Organic Additives for Replanted Soil in Apple Tree Production in a Fruit Tree Nursery
- Author
-
Zofia Zydlik, Piotr Zydlik, Zbigniew Jarosz, and Robert Wieczorek
- Subjects
replanted soil ,apple trees ,biocoal ,enzymatic activity and respiration of soil ,biometric parameters of leaf ,vegetative growth of trees ,Agriculture (General) ,S1-972 - Abstract
How soil is used affects its production characteristics in the future. Under ARD (Apple Replant Disease) conditions, replanted soil’s physical, chemical and biological properties deteriorate. Their improvement is possible through, for example, increasing the content of organic matter in the soil. The study aimed to assess the effect of two organic additives for replanted soil on its physical, chemical and biological properties, as well as on the vegetative growth of apple trees of the ‘Gala Schniga SchniCo(s)’ cultivar grafted on M.9 rootstock. The experiment was performed in 2021, in western Poland, on a nursery farm. The trees were planted in pots filled with soil from two stations: soil previously used for the production of apple trees (replanted soil) and nursery material (agricultural soil) unused for production so far. To fertilise it, three different portions of biocarbon and Carbomat Eco soil conditioner were added to the replanted soil. The experiment showed that apple trees grown on replanted soil had fewer side shoots, a smaller leaf area and a lower mass of leaves than those grown on agricultural soil. Furthermore, supplementation of replanted soil with organic additives caused a significant increase in its enzymatic activity and respiration, increased the rate of photosynthesis and improved several parameters determining the strength of vegetative growth in apple trees.
- Published
- 2023
- Full Text
- View/download PDF
10. Effect of Torrefaction Conditions on Physical and Thermal Properties of High- and Low- Quality Palm Pruning Residue Pellets.
- Author
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Yilmaz, Hasan, Topakcı, Mehmet, Varol, Murat, Karayel, Davut, and Çanakcı, Murad
- Subjects
- *
THERMAL properties , *PELLETIZING , *PHYSICAL training & conditioning , *FUEL quality , *FOREST products , *PALMS - Abstract
Torrefaction is a promising method to improve the fuel quality of pellets. In this study, palm pruning residues were used as an alternative to forest products. Torrefaction was applied to high-quality (HQ) and low-quality (LQ) pellets at 220, 235, and 250 °C for 5, 10, and 15 min in a newly developed lab-scaled torrefaction system. Torrefaction temperature and residence time adversely affected the physical properties of HQ and LQ pellets. Particle density of untreated HQ and LQ pellets were 1172 kg/m3 and 757 kg/m3, respectively, decreased to 1059 kg/m3 and 668 kg/m3 at upper conditions (250 °C and 15 min). The durability index at upper conditions decreased from 99.02 to 98.13% and from 89.89 to 74.82% for HQ and LQ pellets, respectively. Heterogeneous and poorly physically structured LQ pellets showed non-homogeneous changes in thermal and physical properties. The HHVs of untreated pellets were increased from 18.4 to 20.3 MJ/kg for HQ pellets and 18.2 to 18.9 MJ/kg for LQ pellets at upper conditions. Pellets with high physical quality were torrefied more efficiently than those with low physical quality. Under the same conditions, LQ pellets were measured to be lighter in color than HQ pellets. Accordingly, it is thought that based on the color darkening caused by torrefaction, predictions can be made about the physical properties of the pellet and the torrefaction efficiency. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]
- Published
- 2022
- Full Text
- View/download PDF
11. Modeling the co-combustion of coal and biocoal from the novel process of frictional pyrolysis for reducing the emissions of coal plants.
- Author
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Vakalis, Stergios and Moustakas, Konstantinos
- Abstract
Coal industry is a significant pillar of the European economy and is responsible for a quarter of the energy production. The gradual decarbonization of the energy sector must take into consideration the regions that require a transition period. In this framework, this study presents the case of co-combusting conventional fuels and biocoals from agrowaste in order to reduce the carbon footprint of existing coal plants during this transition period. Along with the more common case of torrefied biomass, two novel biocoals that are produced by means of frictional pyrolytic conversion are also considered in this analysis and the co-combustion is modeled thermodynamically. The scope of the study has been the calculation of CO
2 and NOx emissions for the different potential fuel blends. Of biocoals with conventional coal fuels, i.e., anthracite bituminous, subbituminous, and lignite coal. The heating values of the fuel blends varied significantly from 12.5–30 Mj/kg. The CO2 emissions per kg of input ranged from per kg of input 1.4–3 kg of CO2 , with subbituminous coal projected the best performance in this metric. Coals of higher heating values, i.e., anthracite and bituminous coal, performed also well but the metric of CO2 emissions per MJ of input was not comparatively as good and exceeded the level of 95 g of CO2 per MJ of input. On the contrary, lignite CO2 emissions per MJ of input was closer to 90 g of CO2 per MJ of input and this could be explained from the fact that the higher carbon content of anthracite and bituminous coal did not translate to analogically higher heating values. The comparative performance of lignite coal becomes the optimal choice in respect to CO2 emissions per MJ of input for fuel blends that use biocoal ratios higher than 40%. This is an interesting outcome that provides an insight of an alternative pathway for reducing the carbon footprint of low rank coal energy production facilities and can be a helpful tool during the transition of European energy sector towards renewable energy systems. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]- Published
- 2021
- Full Text
- View/download PDF
12. Production of Biocoal from Wastewater Sludge and Sugarcane Bagasse: A Review
- Author
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Zinhle Mkhwanazi, Yusuf Makarfi Isa, and Shadana. T. Vallabh
- Subjects
hydrothermal carbonization ,biocoal ,sugarcane bagasse ,wastewater sludge ,Meteorology. Climatology ,QC851-999 - Abstract
The rising volume of wastewater sludge and sugarcane bagasse is becoming a prominent concern globally. Furthermore, the growing demand for fuel coupled with the depletion of fossil fuel reserves in South Africa demonstrates the need for alternative energy sources. To minimize the reliance on fossil-based energy sources, a renewable resource such as biomass can be optimized as an energy source. Wastewater sludge and bagasse have the energy potential to produce high-calorific-value biocoal; this will contribute to the supply of energy in South Africa. The synthesis of biocoal from wastewater sludge and bagasse through an artificial synthetic coal production process, i.e., hydrothermal carbonization (HTC), is preferred over other thermal conversion techniques as HTC is capable of handling feed having a high (75–90%) moisture content. This article focuses on the production of biocoal from wastewater sludge and sugarcane bagasse as an alternative to sustainable bioenergy supply and as one of the potential solutions for reducing net CO2 greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions from fossil-fuel power plants, and addresses the use of different thermochemical technologies, previous studies on the composition of wastewater sludge and bagasse, and the benefits of hydrothermal carbonization.
- Published
- 2023
- Full Text
- View/download PDF
13. Biyokömür-Soma Kömür Karışımlarının Oksiyanma Koşullarında Birlikte Yakılmasının Deneysel İncelenmesi ve Emisyonlar Üzerindeki Etkileri.
- Author
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Keivani, Babak, Olgun, Hayati, and Atimtay, Aysel T.
- Subjects
- *
CIRCULATING fluidized bed combustion , *LIGNITE , *FLUIDIZED-bed combustion , *COMBUSTION efficiency , *WOOD waste , *BIOCHAR , *FUEL additives , *CO-combustion - Abstract
This experimental work includes the co-combustion of Soma lignite with biochar obtained from red pine sawdust. The experiments were carried out in a circulating fluidized bed combustion (DAY) system with a thermal capacity of 30 kW, in air and in an oxygen-rich air atmosphere. In this study, the combustion temperature in the fluidized bed was kept at 850 + 50 °C. Combustion tests of Soma lignite and biochar mixtures at different rates were carried out in an oxygen-rich medium. It was concluded that 300 °C and 30 minutes processing conditions for red pine sawdust would be the most suitable production conditions for the co-combustion of soma lignite and biochar in a fluidized. The share of biochar mixture in lignite has been increased up to 50%. by weight. It was found that the biochar was burned effectively when the mixture of biochar was up to 50%. The obtained results emphasized that biochar can be a good additive fuel for co-combustion of coal and biochar. It has also shown that co-combustion in an oxygen-rich atmosphere is a choice to decrease stack emissions of SO2, CO and N2O. Addition of oxygen to air increased the combustion efficiency and reduced CO emissions. Since biocoal does not have sulfur in it significantly reduced SO2 emissions. However, emissions of NOx increased with high oxygen concentrations and high levels of biocoal addition. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]
- Published
- 2021
- Full Text
- View/download PDF
14. Co-combustion of oil palm trunk biocoal/sub-bituminous coal fuel blends
- Author
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Nadly Aizat Nudri, Wan Azlina Wan Abdul Karim Ghani, Robert Thomas Bachmann, B.T. Hang Tuah Baharudin, Denny K.S. Ng, and Mohamad Syazarudin Md Said
- Subjects
Biocoal ,Oil palm trunk ,Co-combustion ,Pyrolysis ,Optimisation ,Engineering (General). Civil engineering (General) ,TA1-2040 - Abstract
Biomass is a promising alternative for the reduction of global dependency on fossil fuels. However, there are some issues with the direct application of raw biomass such as high moisture content, low heating value, and poor grindability. To alleviate the problems, biomass-derived biocoal is introduced and utilised as fuel in power plants. Oil palm trunk biocoal (OPTC) is produced from pyrolysis of oil palm trunk biomass (OPTB) in a top-lit, updraft reactor at a constant air flowrate of 4.63 L/min and maximum temperature of 550 °C. OPTC is co-combusted at temperatures between 600 and 900 °C with sub-bituminous coal (SBC). Pollutant emission and ash production from combustion of fuel blends containing 20% and 50% biocoal are analysed and compared with pure SBC, OPTB and OPTC. NOx and SO2 emission profiles from all tested fuel blends are well below the limits imposed under Environmental Quality (Clean Air) Regulation 2014 of 296 and 190 ppm respectively. Response surface methodology (RSM) analysis indicates that the operation of combustion is optimised with 92.16% efficiency at 774 °C and air flowrate of 16.6 SCFH to emit 16.38% CO2, and the findings are validated against experimental results. The optimised combustion process produces ash with 67.9% silicon compounds.
- Published
- 2021
- Full Text
- View/download PDF
15. Xylose production and the associated integration for biocoal production
- Author
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Jagannadh Satyavolu, Jogi Ganesh Dattatreya Tadimeti, and Rajeeva Thilakaratne
- Subjects
Biocoal ,Xylose ,Modified biomass ,Torrefaction ,Binder ,Techno-economic analysis ,Engineering (General). Civil engineering (General) ,TA1-2040 - Abstract
Xylose is the second most abundantly available sugar in nature next to glucose. It is one of the hemicellulose based (C5) sugars and is often discarded during the conversion of lignocellulosic biomass to biofuels. Xylose recovery as a coproduct has a great potential to reduce the overall production cost of biofuels through increased revenue and efficient utilization of biomass. A low-energy non-conventional xylose production process from the University of Louisville (UofL) uses a boron capturing agent to esterify xylose, isolate it from aqueous hydrolyzate stream, and recover xylose as a dry product under ambient process conditions. Effective integration of this xylose production as a pre-step for processing biomass to biofuels such as biocoal has significant advantages in terms of enhanced product quality and improved economics. The xylose separation process yields modified biomass with stripped of hemicellulose and alkaline ash leading to reduced oxygen content and has higher energy density. TGA study showed that such modified biomass needs low energy input for carbonization during the torrefaction process. This modified biomass doubles up as a binder during the densification process to produce biocoal, thus significantly minimizing the cost of biocoal production. The preliminary techno-economic analysis for a biocoal plant based on wood chips indicate that xylose integration imparts greater viability of the plant even when the raw material costs are more than $40 per ton while significantly cutting down the payback time.
- Published
- 2021
- Full Text
- View/download PDF
16. Achieving negative emissions through oceanic sequestration of vegetation carbon as Black Pellets.
- Author
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Miller, Leonard A. and Orton, Philip M.
- Abstract
Natural processes and human activities produce vast amounts of dead vegetation which return CO
2 to the atmosphere through decay and combustion. If such vegetation could be converted into biocoal and sequestered on the ocean floor, it could reduce the accumulation of atmospheric CO2 without involving sequestration in the form of CO2 . Given that raw vegetation is unsuitable for large-scale energy applications, a process was developed to convert raw vegetation into a form of biocoal, termed Black Pellets, that solves the logistical and energy conversion problems of using raw vegetation for power generation. Seemingly overlooked is that properties of Black Pellets—higher density than seawater and resistance to microbial decay—may offer an environmentally safe way of sequestering vegetation carbon on the sea floor. Sequestering vegetation carbon by depositing biocoal as Black Pellets in the deep ocean (oceanic sequestration of biocoal—OSB) would be a means of achieving long-lasting negative emissions. Sacrificing the energy content of the deposited pellets would require substituting energy from other sources. If the substitute energy could be from lower-carbon natural gas or carbon-free sources, the effects would be less accumulation of atmospheric CO2 compared to using the pellets for energy and a nearly 60 to 100% reduction in the need for geologic sequestration compared to bioenergy carbon capture and storage (BECCS). If confirmed by research, OSB would be an addition to the sparse toolbox of negative emission technologies (NETs) which would give humankind more flexibility in meeting the goals of the Paris Agreement. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]- Published
- 2021
- Full Text
- View/download PDF
17. Mitigation of Acute Ammonia Emissions With Biochar During Swine Manure Agitation Before Pump-Out: Proof-of-the-Concept
- Author
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Baitong Chen, Jacek A. Koziel, Andrzej Białowiec, Myeongseong Lee, Hantian Ma, Samuel O’Brien, Peiyang Li, Zhanibek Meiirkhanuly, and Robert C. Brown
- Subjects
waste management ,nitrogen ,air pollution ,agricultural safety ,fertilizer ,biocoal ,Environmental sciences ,GE1-350 - Abstract
Ammonia (NH3) emissions from animal agriculture can cause eutrophication of water ecosystems and are precursors to secondary particulate matter (PM2.5). NH3 emissions from stored swine manure represent nutrient loss affecting the fertilizing value of manure. The short-term emission bursts occur when farmers agitate manure before emptying storage and fertilizing fields. There is no proven technology to mitigate gaseous emissions during agitation, while the hazards of acute releases (e.g., H2S) are well-known. Biochar mitigates NH3 emissions from manure over the long-term. The objective of this research was to evaluate the mitigation of acute NH3 emissions during/after agitation. Two biochars, highly alkaline and porous (HAP from corn stover) and red oak (RO), were tested. The 6 and 12 mm-thick layers of biochar powder were surficial applied followed by 3 min agitation. NH3 concentrations were measured before/during/after agitation. Mitigation was assessed by comparing: (i) the maximum (peak) flux, (ii) total emission (from agitation start till NH3 concentration returned to the before-agitation), and (iii) the total emissions during agitation. The 12 mm HAP significantly (p < 0.05) reduced (i–iii) by 63, 70, and 85%, respectively. The 6 mm HAP significantly reduced (i–iii) by 76, 75, and 78%, respectively. The 12 mm RO significantly reduced (i–iii) by 9, 53, and 57%, respectively. The 6 mm RO significantly reduced (i–iii) by 61, 86, and 63%, respectively. The NH3 emission kinetics model confirmed that a 6 mm dose was just as effective as the larger dose. More research is needed to optimize and scale-up mitigating emissions and retention of nutrients in manure with biochar.
- Published
- 2021
- Full Text
- View/download PDF
18. Upgrading properties of biochar fuel derived from cassava rhizome via torrefaction: Effect of sweeping gas atmospheres and its economic feasibility
- Author
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Kamonwat Nakason, Pongtanawat Khemthong, Wasawat Kraithong, Parinvadee Chukaew, Bunyarit Panyapinyopol, Duangta Kitkaew, and Prasert Pavasant
- Subjects
Torrefaction atmosphere ,Biocoal ,Torrefaction economic ,Agricultural waste ,Renewable energy ,Torrefaction feasibility ,Engineering (General). Civil engineering (General) ,TA1-2040 - Abstract
Torrefaction is a promising biomass thermal conversion technology to produce biochar due to its ease of operation and mild operating conditions. In this study, cassava rhizome (CR) was torrified under various sweeping gas types (nitrogen (N2), carbon dioxide (CO2), mixture gas (N2 + CO2)) and flow rates (50, 150, 250 mL/min) at 200–300 °C for 30 min. The experimental results show that fuel properties of CR were remarkably upgraded after torrefaction. Sweeping gas has less effect on fuel properties of torrified CR than torrefaction temperature. Torrefaction under CO2 atmosphere produced the biochar with minimum ash content. Torrefaction at 300 °C under 50 mL/min CO2 was recommended as the promising condition to produce biochar replacing lignite coal. Thermal properties and chemical functional groups of the derived biochar suggested that torrefaction process removed mainly oxygen and hydrogen contents which could be achieved through decarbonization (DC), dehydrogenation (DH), and deoxygenation (DO) pathways. Economic feasibility revealed that the torrefaction of CR is cost-advantage under the proposed condition.
- Published
- 2021
- Full Text
- View/download PDF
19. Fuel properties of biochar from torrefaction of ground coffee residue: effect of process temperature, time, and sweeping gas.
- Author
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Pathomrotsakun, Jiaranai, Nakason, Kamonwat, Kraithong, Wasawat, Khemthong, Pongtanawat, Panyapinyopol, Bunyarit, and Pavasant, Prasert
- Abstract
Ground coffee residue (GCR) was torrified under nitrogen or carbon dioxide atmosphere. Effect of torrefaction parameters on fuel properties of biochar was investigated by varying process temperature, residence time, and sweeping gas flow rate over the range of 200–300 °C, 30–60 min, and 50–250 mL/min, respectively. Severe torrefaction (300 °C) short residence time (30 min) under low carbon dioxide flow rate (50 mL/min) was determined as a promising condition to produce biochar as solid fuel. H/C and O/C atomic ratios, HHV, and energy yield of the obtained biochar were 0.94 and 0.14, 31.12 MJ/kg, and 48.04%, respectively, which were comparable with the properties of sub-bituminous coal. The calculated decarbonization (DC), dehydrogenation (DH), and deoxygenation (DO) indicated that torrefaction led to major losses of oxygen and hydrogen. The analysis of thermal decomposition properties and surface chemical functional groups revealed that temperature substantially affected biochar properties, while the effect of sweeping gas was only marginal. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]
- Published
- 2020
- Full Text
- View/download PDF
20. Torrefaction: a sustainable method for transforming of agri-wastes to high energy density solids (biocoal).
- Author
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Negi, Sushant, Jaswal, Gaurav, Dass, Kali, Mazumder, Koushik, Elumalai, Sasikumar, and Roy, Joy K.
- Subjects
ENERGY density ,AGRICULTURAL wastes ,NATURAL resources ,CLEAN energy ,FOSSIL fuels ,NATURAL gas ,NATURAL gas reserves - Abstract
The depletion of fossil fuel reserves and greenhouse gas emissions led to limit the use of fossil fuels, including natural gas, coal, or petroleum, and demand a clean and sustainable source of energy. Many efforts are being made by the researchers to address these issues through the use of natural renewable resources (or lignocellulosic biomass), such as agricultural wastes and forest residues as a cleaner source of energy. But its poor properties like low energy density, high moisture content, irregular shape and size, and heterogeneity make it difficult to use in its natural form. Torrefaction, a simple heat treatment procedure, is widely employed to the natural bioresources to improve its thermal properties to be used as an energy source in the domestic power plants. The quality of the resultant torrefied solids (the so-called biocoal) is depending on the settings of heating conditions under the absence of oxygen, which can be improved by selecting and adjusting the processing conditions precisely. Typically, the process brings down the moisture content up to < 3 wt%, and increases the grinding energy up to 90%. Mainly, the calorific value and fixed carbon content of torrefied biomass increase by roughly 15–25 wt%, which makes it more appealing than non-torrefied biomass. The review emphasizes the available biomass torrefaction technologies, and it's potential in the field of bioenergy generations. It also covers few case studies of biomass torrefaction and its application in the power generation sectors. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]
- Published
- 2020
- Full Text
- View/download PDF
21. Characterization of oil palm trunk biocoal and its suitability for solid fuel applications.
- Author
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Nudri, Nadly Aizat, Bachmann, Robert Thomas, Ghani, Wan Azlina Wan Abdul Karim, Sum, Denny Ng Kok, and Azni, Atiyyah Ameenah
- Abstract
Mankind's quest to reduce its dependency on fossil fuel involves biomass as a promising alternative. However, direct application of raw biomass faces problems such as high moisture content, low heating value, and poor grindability. Pyrolysis is one of the pre-treatment methods to improve biomass properties particularly its energy density. This study is aimed at investigating the pyrolysis of oil palm trunk (OPT) into biocoal and its suitability for solid fuel applications in terms of slagging and fouling tendencies, bulk density, proximate and ultimate analysis, higher heating value, energy densification ratio, and mass and energy yield. The biocoal was produced using a top-lit, updraft reactor with a peak temperature of 550 °C and fixed air flowrate of 4.63 L/min. The bulk density of OPT biocoal was 87.7 kg/m
3 which is 4.63% lower than that of original OPT due to the increased porosity. The elemental composition of our biocoal resembles lignite. The volatile matter content decreased by a factor of 1.87 while the fixed carbon content and higher heating value (HHV) increased from 4.29 to 30.9% and from 14.5 to 19.6 MJ/kg, respectively. The HHV of biocoal increased by a factor of 1.36 relative to that of raw OPT; however, the resulting energy yield was low (37.6 ± 1.9%) due to a low biocoal yield of 27.8 ± 1.4%. The ash content increased by a factor of 1.5, resulting in an ash content of 27.8 wt% for biocoal. This increment may exacerbate the slagging and fouling propensity in furnaces and boilers as indicated by the slagging and bed agglomeration index which increased from 2.0 to 5.2 and from 0.4 to 0.7, respectively. Demineralization, a lower pyrolysis temperature and subsequent briquetting of OPT biocoal are suggested to improve its fuel properties for co-combustion in coal-firing power plants. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]- Published
- 2020
- Full Text
- View/download PDF
22. Abbaukinetik von Buchenholz und den Bestandteilen Cellulose, Lignin und D‐Xylose unter HTC‐Bedingungen.
- Author
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Bär, Fabian, Curtze, Jan H., Dörr, Timo, Drochner, Alfons, and Vogel, Herbert
- Subjects
- *
HYDROTHERMAL carbonization , *XYLOSE , *RENEWABLE natural resources , *CELLULOSE , *ORGANIC wastes , *CALORIC content of foods , *LIGNINS - Abstract
Usage of renewable resources is of growing importance. To avoid the conflict of growing food vs. energy plants, organic wastes have to be used. The hydrothermal carbonization (HTC) is a simple process to gain dry and energy‐rich biochar especially from wet biomass. By determining the degradation kinetics of the three biomass components cellulose, D‐xylose and lignin, the reaction behavior could be determined and was validated against a real biomass (beech wood). [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]
- Published
- 2019
- Full Text
- View/download PDF
23. Integration of biocoal in distributed energy systems: A potential case study in the Spanish coal-mining regions
- Author
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García Fernánez, Roberto [0000-0003-3917-887X], Paredes, B. M., Paredes, J. P., García Fernández, Roberto, García Fernánez, Roberto [0000-0003-3917-887X], Paredes, B. M., Paredes, J. P., and García Fernández, Roberto
- Abstract
Energy has an essential role in socio-economic development, particularly in European coal-mining regions undergoing a transition process which implies searching for alternative fuels to coal. Forestry wastes provide a large amount of biomass that has the potential to be transformed into biocoal to produce solid biofuels. The present work aims to analyse the feasibility of integrating biocoals as a renewable solid fuel, produced by torrefaction and further mechanical densification, in the currently existing coal-consuming facilities. The methodology proposed evaluates existing forest waste resources and their potential conversion into biocoal pellets for use in thermal and electrical energy production. An analysis of the results indicates a potential overall production of 280 kt/year of torrefied pellets in the seven coal-mining regions in Spain evaluated in the study, with the potential to produce 78 MWe or 470 MWth, respectively, and avoid 582 kt/year of CO2 emissions. The average cost for torrefied pellets production would be 148 €/t and require an emission cost of approximately above 45 €/tCO2 to be cost-competitive with coal for direct use in currently existing energy systems. The use of biocoal is shown from resource to energy management for energy conversion systems in the pathway of the energy transition.
- Published
- 2023
24. ЗАМІЩЕННЯ ВУГІЛЛЯ ТА ГАЗУ АЛЬТЕРНАТИВНИМИ ДЖЕРЕЛАМИ ЕНЕРГІЇ
- Author
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Iryna Krutoholova and Vyacheslav Braverman
- Subjects
биочар ,отходы сельскохозяйственной деятельности ,відходи сільськогосподарської діяльності ,біочар ,автотермальный пиролиз ,сінтез-газ ,синтез-газ ,биоуголь ,biochar ,biocoal ,autothermal pyrolysis ,synthesis gas ,agricultural waste ,автотермальний піроліз ,біовугілля - Abstract
The work shows that agricultural waste can be an inexhaustible cheap source for green, renewable energy sources such as biocoal, biogas, high-quality organic fertilizer – biochar. The urgency of the problem has increased even more due to the need to replace fossil energy resources (coal, gas, oil), which used to come from Russia. The possibility of using exothermic heat of the process of pyrolysis of agricultural waste makes this process economically more attractive and will contribute to its implementation. When using the proposed pyrolysis technologies, all types of carbon-containing agricultural waste can be considered as an unclaimed resource for the decarbonization of the entire energy sector of Ukraine., В работе показано, что отходы сельскохозяйственной деятельности могут быть неисчерпаемым дешевым источником для зеленых, возобновляемых источников энергии, таких как биоуголь, биогаз, органическое удобрение высокого качества - биочар. Актуальность проблемы еще больше возросла в связи с необходимостью замещения ископаемых энергетических ресурсов (уголь, газа, нефти), ранее поступавших из России. Возможность использования экзотермической теплоты процесса пиролиза сельскохозяйственных отходов делает этот процесс экономически более привлекательным и будет способствовать его внедрению. При использовании предложенных технологий пиролиза все виды углеродсодержащих отходов сельскохозяйственной деятельности можно рассматривать как невостребованный ресурс для декарбонизации всего энергетического сектора Украины., У роботі показано, що відходи сільськогосподарської діяльності можуть бути невичерпним дешевим джерелом для зелених, відновлюваних джерел енергії таких як біовугілля, біогаз, органічного добрива високої якості - біочара. Актуальність проблеми ще більше зросла у зв'язку з необхідністю заміщення викопних енергетичних ресурсів (вугілля, газу, нафти), що раніше надходили з Росії. Можливість використання екзотермічної теплоти процесу піролізу сільськогосподарських відходів робить цей процес економічно більш привабливим та сприятиме його впровадженню. При використанні запропонованих технологій піролізу всі види вуглецевмісних відходів сільськогосподарської діяльності можна розглядати, як незатребуваний ресурс для декарбонізації всього енергетичного сектора України.
- Published
- 2022
25. Torrefaction of biomass: A review of production methods for biocoal from cultured and waste lignocellulosic feedstocks.
- Author
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Barskov, Stan, Zappi, Mark, Buchireddy, Prashanth, Dufreche, Stephen, Guillory, John, Gang, Daniel, Hernandez, Rafael, Bajpai, Rakesh, Baudier, Jeff, Cooper, Robbyn, and Sharp, Richard
- Abstract
Torrefaction is a developing thermal process that has mainly been used to convert lignocellulosic feedstocks, both cultured and wasted, into a "charred" product that can be used as a fuel for power plants, combustion units, and gasifiers. Beneficial characteristics of torrefied products are increased energy density, removal of free water from the feedstock so that water is not being transported to the use facility, grindability indices similar to coal, and a more bio-stable product better suited for outdoor piled storage over the raw input material. A thorough review of the literature involving the torrefaction of fibrous agricultural wastes, food wastes, and non-lignocellulosic wastes (bacteria, algae, yeast, etc.) is presented in this paper. In general, average torrefaction operating conditions yielded greatly improved biofuels over the raw input feedstocks. • Torrefaction is a feedstock flexible process can produce high-quality biocoal. • Process flexibility has been controlled mainly by temperature and reaction time. • Numerous studies support using torrefaction for producing a good bio-based fuel. • More scale-up work is needed to increase commercialization of the technology. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]
- Published
- 2019
- Full Text
- View/download PDF
26. Production of Biocoal by the Pyrolysis of Biomass.
- Author
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Krylova, A. Yu., Gorlov, E. G., and Shumovskii, A. V.
- Abstract
Effective use of biomass has recently received special attention. Pyrolysis is of great interest among the biomass conversion processes. The pyrolysis technology allows the production of biocoal (biochar), which can replace fossil energy fuels. Biocoal can also be converted into liquid fuel for direct use in vehicles and for the replacement of petroleum products (gasoline, aviation kerosene, and diesel fuel). In recent years, biocoal has been increasingly used in the agricultural industry as a high-quality complex fertilizer with unique properties. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]
- Published
- 2019
- Full Text
- View/download PDF
27. The renewable battery concept via conversion of agricultural waste into biocoal using frictional pyrolysis.
- Author
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Vakalis, S., Moustakas, K., Heimann, R., and Loizidou, M.
- Subjects
- *
AGRICULTURAL wastes , *BIOMASS energy , *SOLAR energy , *SOLAR wind , *ELECTRIC power distribution grids , *WIND power - Abstract
The rapid growth of wind and solar power production installations worldwide has not been coupled with similar rates of integration in the electrical grid. This study proposes the conversion of agricultural residues into biocoal by means of frictional pyrolysis, which is a novel power-to-fuel technology that converts directly electricity into mechanical work and uses no additional heat. The excess renewable energy, that otherwise would be lost, will be utilized for converting agricultural residues into biocoal. This novel concept is defined as the concept of the renewable battery. A case study is presented for the State of California and three characteristic biomass types have been analyzed and converted into biocoal. The analysis showed that, between the years 2007–2016, the wind power installations have increased by 242.37% and the majority of solar PV were installed which account for 17,238 GWh. From the initial energy input of the biomass, the energy that was converted and stored in the form of biocoal ranged from 78.6% to 86.8%. The concept of renewable battery promotes carbon sequestration in agricultural practices and serves as a cleaner and renewable fuel that can be co-combusted with coal. • The rapid growth of renewables does not match the grid integration rates. • Proposed concept for converting agricultural waste into biocoal. • Novel technology of frictional pyrolysis for biomass-to-biocoal. • Excess energy from renewables is stored in biocoal like a battery. • 78.6% and 86.8% of the initial biomass energy was stored into biocoal. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]
- Published
- 2019
- Full Text
- View/download PDF
28. Physicochemical Properties of Biocoal Obtained by the Mild Pyrolysis of Peat.
- Author
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Zaichenko, V. M., Knyazeva, M. I., Krylova, A. Yu., Krysanova, K. O., and Kulikov, A. B.
- Abstract
The effect of mild pyrolysis methods (hydrothermal carbonization and torrefaction) on the physicochemical properties of biocoal was studied. It was established that biocoal obtained by hydrothermal carbonization has a large specific surface area and exerts an exothermic effect upon decomposition; as compared with the samples obtained by torrefaction, it has a more dispersed structure and lower ash content. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]
- Published
- 2019
- Full Text
- View/download PDF
29. Potential for thermal conversion of brewer's spent grain into biocoal via hydrothermal carbonization in Africa.
- Author
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Maqhuzu, Andile B., Yoshikawa, Kunio, and Takahashi, Fumitake
- Abstract
Abstract Brewer's spent grain (BSG) has the potential to contribute to the supply of energy in Africa, as concern for clean and sustainable energy grows. The synthesis of biocoal from BSG via an artificial coalification process, hydrothermal carbonization (HTC), is preferred amongst other thermal conversion techniques as HTC is capable of handling high moisture feed. BSG which consists of insoluble cereal residue that is separated from the mash before fermentation has been a major disposal problem in the brewing industry for decades. Considering the energy crises experienced in Africa, its use for energy is a more useful option. In this study, an estimate of BSG production, expected yield of biocoal and energy potential for African countries is given. Due to temporal variation and data uncertainty, a stochastic model supported by 50,000 Monte Carlo simulations was developed to carry out the assessment. The method involved the development of a mathematical model for estimating the yield of BSG-derived hydrochar. Probability distributions were applied to each independent variable based on historical datasets and published scientific literature. Monte Carlo simulations were conducted using commercially available software, Palisade's @RISK, to give a probabilistic representation of the expected yield of hydrochar for each country. The total quantity of BSG generated in Africa has been estimated at 627,050 Mg/yr (514,177 - 739,914 Mg/yr at a 90% confidence level) since 2013 and the potential for biocoal production via hydrothermal carbonization annually is 309,140 Mg/yr (9.43 million GJ/yr) on average. Estimates at a country level are given and based on the evaluation, BSG-derived biocoal alone cannot make a significant contribution to meeting Africa's demand for energy. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]
- Published
- 2019
- Full Text
- View/download PDF
30. Torrefaction of pine wood in a continuous system and optimization of torrefaction conditions.
- Author
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Keivani, Babak, Gultekin, Selin, Olgun, Hayati, and Atimtay, Aysel T.
- Subjects
- *
RED pine , *PYROLYSIS , *CHEMICAL reactions , *BIOREACTORS , *CHEMICAL reactors - Abstract
Summary: Red pine wood particles were torrefied in a screw conveyor reactor system continuously having a capacity of 5 kg/hour. During torrefaction, operating conditions were very important. Changes in the reactor temperature and the reactor residence times had large influences on product yields. With increasing torrefaction temperature, the volatile matter and oxygen content of biomass decreased, while fixed carbon content and heating value greatly increased. Design‐Expert software package was used for the design of experiments (DOE) and to carry out the statistical analysis according to the experimental results. The optimum biocoal yield of 56.59%, energy yield of 47.49%, higher heating value of 26 761.9 kJ/kg, hardgrove grindability index of 91.76, H/C ratio of 0.099, and O/C ratio of 0.312 were obtained at 299.71°C and 28.4 minutes (approximately 300°C and 30 minutes). The biocoal prepared in this work exhibited similar properties to selected Turkish lignites. It suggests that the biocoal can be used as a supplementary fuel for production of energy in coal‐fired combustion systems, especially as an auxiliary fuel for existing power plants. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]
- Published
- 2018
- Full Text
- View/download PDF
31. Mitigation of Gaseous Emissions from Stored Swine Manure with Biochar: Effect of Dose and Reapplication on a Pilot-Scale
- Author
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Baitong Chen, Jacek A. Koziel, Chumki Banik, Hantian Ma, Myeongseong Lee, Samuel C. O’Brien, Peiyang Li, Daniel S. Andersen, Andrzej Białowiec, and Robert C. Brown
- Subjects
livestock manure ,waste management ,air pollution ,air quality ,biocoal ,odor emission ,Meteorology. Climatology ,QC851-999 - Abstract
Rural communities are affected by gaseous emissions from intensive livestock production. Practical mitigation technologies are needed to minimize emissions from stored manure and improve air quality inside barns. In our previous research, the one-time surficial application of biochar to swine manure significantly reduced emissions of NH3 and phenol. We observed that the mitigation effect decreased with time during the 30-day trials. In this research, we hypothesized that bi-weekly reapplication of biochar could improve the mitigation effect on a wider range of odorous compounds using a larger scale and longer trials. The objective was to evaluate the effectiveness of biochar dose and reapplication on mitigation of targeted gases (NH3, odorous, volatile organic compounds VOCs, odor, greenhouse gases (GHG)) from stored swine manure on a pilot-scale setup over 8-weeks. The bi-weekly reapplication of the lower biochar dose (2 kg/m2) showed much higher significant percentage reductions in emissions for NH3 (33% without and 53% with reapplication) and skatole (42% without and 80% with reapplication), respectively. In addition, the reapplication resulted in the emergence of a statistical significance to the mitigation effect for all other targeted VOCs. Specifically, for indole, the percentage reduction improved from 38% (p = 0.47, without reapplication) to 78% (p = 0.018, with reapplication). For phenol, the percentage reduction improved from 28% (p = 0.71, without reapplication) to 89% (p = 0.005, with reapplication). For p-cresol, the percentage reduction improved from 31% (p = 0.86, without reapplication) to 74% (p = 0.028, with reapplication). For 4-ethyl phenol, the percentage emissions reduction improved from 66% (p = 0.44, without reapplication) to 87% (p = 0.007, with reapplication). The one-time 2 kg/m2 and 4 kg/m2 treatments showed similar effectiveness in mitigating all targeted gases, and no statistical difference was found between the dosages. The one-time treatments showed significant percentage reductions of 33% and 42% and 25% and 48% for NH3 and skatole, respectively. The practical significance is that the higher (one-time) biochar dose may not necessarily result in improved performance over the 8-week manure storage, but the bi-weekly reapplication showed significant improvement in mitigating NH3 and odorous VOCs. The lower dosages and the frequency of reapplication on the larger-scale should be explored to optimize biochar treatment and bring it closer to on-farm trials.
- Published
- 2021
- Full Text
- View/download PDF
32. Bio-coal and bio-coke production from agro residues.
- Author
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Alamgir Ahmad, Khwaja, Ahmad, Ejaz, Al Mesfer, Mohammed K., and Nigam, KDP
- Subjects
- *
COKE (Coal product) , *CARBON emissions , *HYDROTHERMAL carbonization , *COKING coal , *WHEAT straw , *PRODUCTION methods - Abstract
[Display omitted] • Bio-coal & bio-coke as a replacement for conventional coal and coke. • Production methods for biomass-derived bio-coal and bio-coke. • Dependency of bio-coal and bio-coke properties on biomass composition and production methods. • Application of bio-coal and bio-coke in steel industries. • Reduction of GHG emissions by using bio-coal and bio-coke. Biomass-derived bio-coal has shown excellent potential as a partial replacement for coal to achieve a closed carbon cycle and mitigate CO 2 emissions by at least 18–40% in steel industries. The bio-coal higher heating value (30–32 MJ/kg) is in the range of the heating value of coal (30–32 MJ/kg) used in the steel industries. Therefore, different bio-coal production methods, such as pelletization, torrefaction, pyrolysis, hydrothermal carbonization, and steam explosion to produce bio-coal, have been critically reviewed. Moreover, the effect of different agro residues such as bagasse, rice husk, and wheat straw and their composition on the properties of the bio-coal are discussed. However, agro residues yield a maximum of 35 wt% bio-coal; thus, blending bio-coal with conventional coal to produce bio-coke is also discussed. Furthermore, bio-coke production from only agro residues is also reviewed. Eventually, the review concludes with an outlook and future challenges. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]
- Published
- 2023
- Full Text
- View/download PDF
33. The Impact of Surficial Biochar Treatment on Acute H2S Emissions during Swine Manure Agitation before Pump-Out: Proof-of-the-Concept
- Author
-
Baitong Chen, Jacek A. Koziel, Andrzej Białowiec, Myeongseong Lee, Hantian Ma, Peiyang Li, Zhanibek Meiirkhanuly, and Robert C. Brown
- Subjects
hydrogen sulfide ,biocoal ,livestock manure ,agricultural safety ,fertilizer ,waste management ,Chemical technology ,TP1-1185 ,Chemistry ,QD1-999 - Abstract
Acute releases of hydrogen sulfide (H2S) are of serious concern in agriculture, especially when farmers agitate manure to empty storage pits before land application. Agitation can cause the release of dangerously high H2S concentrations, resulting in human and animal fatalities. To date, there is no proven technology to mitigate these short-term releases of toxic gas from manure. In our previous research, we have shown that biochar, a highly porous carbonaceous material, can float on manure and mitigate gaseous emissions over extended periods (days–weeks). In this research, we aim to test the hypothesis that biochar can mitigate H2S emissions over short periods (minutes–hours) during and shortly after manure agitation. The objective was to conduct proof-of-the-concept experiments simulating the treatment of agitated manure. Two biochars, highly alkaline and porous (HAP, pH 9.2) made from corn stover and red oak (RO, pH 7.5), were tested. Three scenarios (setups): Control (no biochar), 6 mm, and 12 mm thick layers of biochar were surficially-applied to the manure. Each setup experienced 3 min of manure agitation. Real-time concentrations of H2S were measured immediately before, during, and after agitation until the concentration returned to the initial state. The results were compared with those of the Control using the following three metrics: (1) the maximum (peak) flux, (2) total emission from the start of agitation until the concentration stabilized, and (3) the total emission during the 3 min of agitation. The Gompertz’s model for determination of the cumulative H2S emission kinetics was developed. Here, 12 mm HAP biochar treatment reduced the peak (1) by 42.5% (p = 0.125), reduced overall total emission (2) by 17.9% (p = 0.290), and significantly reduced the total emission during 3 min agitation (3) by 70.4%. Further, 6 mm HAP treatment reduced the peak (1) by 60.6%, and significantly reduced overall (2) and 3 min agitation’s (3) total emission by 64.4% and 66.6%, respectively. Moreover, 12 mm RO biochar treatment reduced the peak (1) by 23.6%, and significantly reduced overall (2) and 3 min total (3) emission by 39.3% and 62.4%, respectively. Finally, 6 mm RO treatment significantly reduced the peak (1) by 63%, overall total emission (2) by 84.7%, and total emission during 3 min agitation (3) by 67.4%. Biochar treatments have the potential to reduce the risk of inhalation exposure to H2S. Both 6 and 12 mm biochar treatments reduced the peak H2S concentrations below the General Industrial Peak Limit (OSHA PEL, 50 ppm). The 6 mm biochar treatments reduced the H2S concentrations below the General Industry Ceiling Limit (OSHA PEL, 20 ppm). Research scaling up to larger manure volumes and longer agitation is warranted.
- Published
- 2020
- Full Text
- View/download PDF
34. High-Energy Solid Fuel Obtained from Carbonized Rice Starch
- Author
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Beata Kurc, Piotr Lijewski, Łukasz Rymaniak, Paweł Fuć, Marita Pigłowska, Rafał Urbaniak, and Bartosz Ciupek
- Subjects
solid fuel ,biocoal ,starch ,carbonization ,Technology - Abstract
The paper describes the investigations of the physicochemical properties of biocoal, a solid fuel obtained following the carbonization of rice starch. The production of biocoal (carbonization) was completed at the temperature of 600 °C in the nitrogen atmosphere. As a result of the carbonization, amorphous carbon with high monodispersity was obtained, devoided of oxygen elements and was a very well developed BET specific surface—360 m2 g−1. The investigations of the technical parameters have confirmed a very high concentration of energy. The calorific value of 53.21 MJ kg−1 and the combustion heat of 54.92 MJ kg−1 are significantly higher than those of starch before carbonization (18.72 MJ kg−1 and 19.43 MJ kg−1, respectively) and these values for typical biomass fuels. These values are also greater than those of hard coal. Other advantageous features of the obtained fuel are low ash (0.84%) and moisture content. These features predispose this fuel for the application as an alternative to conventional fuels.
- Published
- 2020
- Full Text
- View/download PDF
35. Laying Hens Biochar Diet Supplementation—Effect on Performance, Excreta N Content, NH3 and VOCs Emissions, Egg Traits and Egg Consumers Acceptance
- Author
-
Kajetan Kalus, Damian Konkol, Mariusz Korczyński, Jacek A. Koziel, and Sebastian Opaliński
- Subjects
biocoal ,poultry ,feed ,additive ,volatile organic compounds ,air quality ,Agriculture (General) ,S1-972 - Abstract
Sustainable solutions for intensive poultry production can help farmers, rural communities, consumers, and regulatory agencies. This study assessed supplementation of laying hens diet with beechwood biochar (BC, 1~2%) and BC–aluminosilicates–glycerin mixture (BCM, 1.5~3%) to lower the environmental impact while maintaining egg quality. The effect on feed intake, laying performance, egg quality, the sensory quality of hardboiled eggs, ammonia (NH3) and volatile organic compound (VOC) emissions from excreta, and the excreta composition, were evaluated. A total of 90 hens were distributed into 30 cages and divided into five groups (n=6 replications). BC addition increased daily feed intake, while 1.5% BCM addition reduced it. The influence on egg parameters was positive, with a 6% increase in laying performance, up to 10% and 6% increase in shell resistance to crushing and shell thickness, respectively. The sensory analysis demonstrated no significant differences between all treatments. Excreta total N content was numerically lower due to the treatments (by 4~20%); its pH increased (not significantly), while no effect on ammoniacal N and dry matter content was observed. Most of the investigated treatments had a numerically positive (not statistically significant) effect on NH3 reduction. The reduction of VOC emissions was ambiguous and not statistically significant.
- Published
- 2020
- Full Text
- View/download PDF
36. ЗАМЕЩЕНИЕ УГЛЯ И ГАЗА АЛЬТЕРНАТИВНЫМИ ИСТОЧНИКАМИ ЭНЕРГИИ
- Subjects
биочар ,отходы сельскохозяйственной деятельности ,відходи сільськогосподарської діяльності ,біочар ,автотермальный пиролиз ,сінтез-газ ,синтез-газ ,биоуголь ,biochar ,biocoal ,autothermal pyrolysis ,synthesis gas ,agricultural waste ,автотермальний піроліз ,біовугілля - Abstract
The work shows that agricultural waste can be an inexhaustible cheap source for green, renewable energy sources such as biocoal, biogas, high-quality organic fertilizer – biochar. The urgency of the problem has increased even more due to the need to replace fossil energy resources (coal, gas, oil), which used to come from Russia. The possibility of using exothermic heat of the process of pyrolysis of agricultural waste makes this process economically more attractive and will contribute to its implementation. When using the proposed pyrolysis technologies, all types of carbon-containing agricultural waste can be considered as an unclaimed resource for the decarbonization of the entire energy sector of Ukraine., В работе показано, что отходы сельскохозяйственной деятельности могут быть неисчерпаемым дешевым источником для зеленых, возобновляемых источников энергии, таких как биоуголь, биогаз, органическое удобрение высокого качества - биочар. Актуальность проблемы еще больше возросла в связи с необходимостью замещения ископаемых энергетических ресурсов (уголь, газа, нефти), ранее поступавших из России. Возможность использования экзотермической теплоты процесса пиролиза сельскохозяйственных отходов делает этот процесс экономически более привлекательным и будет способствовать его внедрению. При использовании предложенных технологий пиролиза все виды углеродсодержащих отходов сельскохозяйственной деятельности можно рассматривать как невостребованный ресурс для декарбонизации всего энергетического сектора Украины., У роботі показано, що відходи сільськогосподарської діяльності можуть бути невичерпним дешевим джерелом для зелених, відновлюваних джерел енергії таких як біовугілля, біогаз, органічного добрива високої якості - біочара. Актуальність проблеми ще більше зросла у зв'язку з необхідністю заміщення викопних енергетичних ресурсів (вугілля, газу, нафти), що раніше надходили з Росії. Можливість використання екзотермічної теплоти процесу піролізу сільськогосподарських відходів робить цей процес економічно більш привабливим та сприятиме його впровадженню. При використанні запропонованих технологій піролізу всі види вуглецевмісних відходів сільськогосподарської діяльності можна розглядати, як незатребуваний ресурс для декарбонізації всього енергетичного сектора України.
- Published
- 2022
37. The impact of hydrothermal carbonisation on the char reactivity of biomass.
- Author
-
Stirling, Robert J., Snape, Colin E., and Meredith, Will
- Subjects
- *
HYDROTHERMAL carbonization , *BIOMASS , *CHAR , *HEAT release rates , *BITUMINOUS coal - Abstract
Hydrothermal carbonisation (HTC) is an attractive biomass pre-treatment as it produces a coal-like fuel, can easily process wet biomass and wastes, and lowers the risk of slagging and fouling in pulverised fuel (PF) combustion boilers. One of the major factors in determining the suitability of a fuel as a coal replacement for PF combustion is matching the char reactivity and volatile matter content to that of coals, as these significantly affect heat release and flame stability. The char reactivity of wood and olive cake biocoals and their respective drop tube furnace chars have been studied using thermogravimetric analysis in comparison to other biomass fuels and high-volatile bituminous coal. It was found that HTC reduces the reactivity of biomass, and in the case of HTC of wood pellets the resulting biocoal has a char reactivity similar to that of high-volatile bituminous coal. Proximate analysis, X-ray fluorescence analysis, and textural characterisation were used to show that this effect is caused primarily by removal of catalytic alkali and alkaline earth metals. Subsequent torrefaction of the wood biocoals was performed to tailor their volatile matter content to match that of sub-bituminous and high volatile bituminous coals without major impact on char reactivity. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]
- Published
- 2018
- Full Text
- View/download PDF
38. Torrefaction of Hydrolytic Lignin.
- Author
-
Lyubov, V. K., Popova, E. I., and Popov, A. N.
- Abstract
The torrefaction of hydrolytic lignin was studied at 0.1 MPa and 250-300°C. It was established that the process was accompanied by changes in the granulometric composition of the hydrolytic lignin. It was found that the larger the fraction of the test material and the higher the torrefaction temperature, the more changes in the granulometric composition of the material. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]
- Published
- 2018
- Full Text
- View/download PDF
39. Isothermal and Morphological Studies of the Torrefaction of Spruce Wood.
- Author
-
Maryandyshev, P. A., Chernov, A. A., Popova, E. I., Eseev, M. K., and Lyubov, V. K.
- Abstract
The replacement of fossil fuels by biofuel for decreasing the action of greenhouse gases on the global climate is encouraged in industrially developed countries. A promising trend in the refining of waste biomass is torrefaction—a mild pyrolysis process in which biomass is heated to 250-350°C without the access of oxygen at low heating rates; as a result, biocoal with improved chemical and physical properties is formed. The torrefaction (mild pyrolysis at 250-300°C) of spruce stem wood was studied in a fixed-bed reactor at different temperatures. The mass and energy yields of biocoal, its specific heat of combustion, and morphological changes in the biomass structure in the course of spruce wood torrefaction were determined. It was established that the torrefied samples began to decompose at higher temperatures, as compared with the nontorrefied biomass. The torrefied fuel had a higher heat of combustion, which increased with the temperature of torrefaction. Conclusions on the restructuring of test samples and the formation of a porous structure at different temperatures depending on exposure time were made. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]
- Published
- 2018
- Full Text
- View/download PDF
40. Properties of biochar.
- Author
-
Weber, Kathrin and Quicker, Peter
- Subjects
- *
BIOCHAR , *SOIL amendments , *BIOMASS , *PYROLYSIS , *FEEDSTOCK ,ENVIRONMENTAL aspects - Abstract
Biochar can be used in a large number of applications, ranging from heat and power production to soil amendment. The properties of carbonized biomass depend on the feedstock and the process conditions. Selection of suitable conditions to produce a char with the desired properties therefore requires knowledge of dependencies and influencing factors, both quantitatively and qualitatively. This paper reviews and summarizes the results from a large number of experiments on biochar production in order to give a general overview of the properties that can be achieved by feedstock selection and process design. Production processes include both torrefaction as well as slow pyrolysis at high temperatures. The data evaluation has shown that among all process conditions, the treatment temperature has by far the most dominant influence on all properties. Especially the rather narrow temperature range between 200 and 400 °C causes the most significant changes and is therefore very sensible to influences and possibly difficult to control. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]
- Published
- 2018
- Full Text
- View/download PDF
41. Fine tuning of process parameters for improving briquette production from palm kernel shell gasification waste.
- Author
-
Bazargan, Alireza, Rough, Sarah L., and McKay, Gordon
- Subjects
BRIQUETS ,PELLETIZING ,REFUSE as fuel - Abstract
Palm kernel shell biochars (PKSB) ejected as residues from a gasifier have been used for solid fuel briquette production. With this approach, palm kernel shells can be used for energy production twice: first, by producing rich syngas during gasification; second, by compacting the leftover residues from gasification into high calorific value briquettes. Herein, the process parameters for the manufacture of PKSB biomass briquettes via compaction are optimized. Two possible optimum process scenarios are considered. In the first, the compaction speed is increased from 0.5 to 10 mm/s, the compaction pressure is decreased from 80 Pa to 40 MPa, the retention time is reduced from 10 s to zero, and the starch binder content of the briquette is halved from 0.1 to 0.05 kg/kg. With these adjustments, the briquette production rate increases by more than 20- fold; hence capital and operational costs can be reduced and the service life of compaction equipment can be increased. The resulting product satisfactorily passes tensile (compressive) crushing strength and impact resistance tests. The second scenario involves reducing the starch weight content to 0.03 kg/kg, while reducing the compaction pressure to a value no lower than 60 MPa. Overall, in both cases, the PKSB biomass briquettes show excellent potential as a solid fuel with calorific values on par with good-quality coal. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]
- Published
- 2018
- Full Text
- View/download PDF
42. Techno-Economic feasibility of integrating biomass slow pyrolysis in an EAF steelmaking site: A case study.
- Author
-
Salimbeni, Andrea, Lombardi, Giacomo, Rizzo, Andrea Maria, and Chiaramonti, David
- Subjects
- *
ARC furnaces , *CHARCOAL , *PYROLYSIS , *ELECTRIC arc , *CARBON emissions , *ELECTRIC furnaces , *STEEL manufacture - Abstract
• Modelling tool for energy, mass balance calculation and sizing of a slow pyrolysis rotary kiln. • Energy modelling of slow pyrolysis integration in Electric Arc Furnace steelmaking process. • Production and quality assessment of biocoal from residual biomass in pilot scale slow pyrolysis plant. • Techno-economic assessment of integrating slow pyrolysis rotary kiln in an existing industrial EAF steelmaking site. • Assessment of the impact of the European Emission Trading Scheme on economic feasibility of biocoal and bioenergy use in EAF steelmaking process. Replacing fossil coal with sustainable alternatives is urgently needed to decarbonize the hard-to-abate steel industry and shift the whole sector towards sustainable transition. The technical feasibility of substituting coal with wood charcoal has already been investigated and demonstrated: however, the economic feasibility of using biobased coal is still far from acceptable commercial conditions. As a possible solution to overcome the problem, as well as to improve the overall sustainability of steel production, the present work investigates the techno-economic feasibility of integrating slow pyrolysis plant into the Electric Arc Furnace (EAF) process. Here, the waste heat from the furnace is used to produce biocoal via slow pyrolysis, while pyrogases are sent to bioenergy generation. The study combined experimental, modelling, and analytical approaches: (1) experimental: biocoal from lignocellulosic biomass (Arundo Donax) in a continuous slow pyrolysis pilot unit has been produced; (2) modelling: a modelling tool to process the experimental data, size the upscaled pyrolysis kiln and assess the energy integration of the EAF and the slow pyrolysis plant has been developed; (3) analysis: an economic feasibility study has been carried out, based on the obtained results. The research work demonstrates that, for the identified conditions, the thermal energy available in EAF waste gases, equal to 4,15 MWt, are sufficient to heat a slow pyrolysis kiln of 1.42 t/h feed capacity, and that the quality of the biocoal obtained from slow pyrolysis of Arundo Donax is of sufficient to fully replace fossil coal. Finally, the economic analysis shows how the energy and coal savings, as well the 10.5 kt of CO 2 emissions reduction obtained through the integrated configuration, make the solution economically attractive, with an estimated payback time of 5.4 years. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]
- Published
- 2023
- Full Text
- View/download PDF
43. Replacement of fossil-based activated carbons
- Author
-
Li, Jiebing, Arkell, Anders, Li, Jiebing, and Arkell, Anders
- Abstract
Through our innovation, the product from a process that converts biowaste into a biofuel/biochar (HTC carbon) can be further refined into a bio-based high-value activated carbon and thus give the market an alternative to today's fossil activated carbon. When the bio-based activated carbon reaches the end of its life cycle, it is burned as a biofuel. This creates a carbon sink, which grows the more cycles the activated carbon is regenerated. When bio-based activated carbon gains market share from fossil activated carbon, the CO2 footprint decreases by about 10 tonnes of CO2/tonne of activated carbon. If all market shares worldwide are taken from fossil activated carbon, the CO2 footprint can be reduced by about 28 million tons/year. Different production methods to produce activated carbon from HTC carbon have been investigated within this project. One suitable method for producing activated carbon for gas applications and one for activated carbons for liquid applications have been developed. The properties of the produced qualities of activated carbon are not as good as the ones on the market today. However, there is potential for optimization so that an activated carbon with competitive quality can be produced from this renewable resource.
- Published
- 2022
44. Potentialen hos hydrokol från avloppsslam som jordförbättringsmedel
- Author
-
Akhlaghi, Lina and Akhlaghi, Lina
- Abstract
Margretelunds reningsverk i Åkersberga står såsom andra svenska avloppsreningsverk inför nya utmaningar i samband med anpassningen till ett mer hållbart och cirkulärt samhälle. För att bidra till en bra lokal miljö med få transporter och minimerad lukt, uppnå en hög grad av fosforåtervinning, samt reducera organiska och icke-organiska föreningar i slammet ska Roslagsvattenb i samarbete med IVL Svenska Miljöinstitutet utvärdera C-Greens OxyPower HTC-teknik. HTC-tekniken är hydrotermisk karbonisering (HTC) kombinerat med våtoxidation av HTC- vatten. Det våta slammet tas om hand på reningsverket och omvandlas till en fast kolanrikad produkt så kallad HTC-biokol eller hydrokol. HTC-processen innebär uppvärmning av det våta slammet (180–260°C) under högt tryck och syrefria förhållande med vatten närvarande. Hydrokolet som bildas kan uppgraderas till bränsle, jordförbättringsmedel eller aktiverat kol. I detta arbete studerades potentialen att använda hydrokol som jordförbättringsmedel genom att undersöka biokolets fysikaliska- och kemiska egenskaper. Hydrokol jämfördes med biokol från pyrolys som också är en förkolningsprocess av biomassa vid höga temperaturer (300–650 °C) under syrefria förhållande dock utan närvaro av vatten. Baserat på resultatet från publicerade studier, har hydrokol potentialen att ersätta eller komplettera mineralgödsel. Hydrokol förbättrar markens bördighet och produktivitet genom att t.ex. öka den totala växttillväxten, förbättrar mineraliseringen av näringsämnen och tillgängligheten av fosfor, samt ger en långsam frisättning av näringsämnen., Margretelund's treatment plant in Åkersberga, like other Swedish sewage treatment plants, faces new challenges in connection with the adaptation to a more sustainable and circular society. In order to contribute to a good local environment with few transports and minimized odors, achieve a high degree of phosphorus recovery, and reduce organic and inorganic pollutants in the sludge, Roslagsvatten, in collaboration with the IVL Swedish Environmental Institute, will evaluate C-Green's OxyPower HTC-technology. The HTC-technology is hydrothermal carbonization (HTC) combined with wet oxidation of HTC-water. The wet sludge is taken care of at the treatment plant and converted into a fast carbon-enriched product called HTC-biochar or hydrochar. The HTC-process involves heating the wet sludge (180–260°C) under high pressure and oxygen-free conditions with water present. The hydrochar that is formed can be upgraded to fuel, soil improver or activated carbon. In this work, the potential of using hydrochar as a soil improver is studied by examining the biochar's physical and chemical properties. Hydrochar was compared with biochar from pyrolysis, which is also a charring process of biomass at high temperatures (300–650 °C) under oxygen-free conditions but without the presence of water. Based on the results of published studies, hydrochar has the potential to replace or supplement mineral fertilizers. Hydrochar improves soil fertility and productivity by e.g. increase overall plant growth, improve nutrient mineralization and phosphorus availability, and provide a slow release of nutrients.
- Published
- 2022
45. Proof-of-Concept of Spent Mushrooms Compost Torrefaction—Studying the Process Kinetics and the Influence of Temperature and Duration on the Calorific Value of the Produced Biocoal
- Author
-
Ewa Syguła, Jacek A. Koziel, and Andrzej Białowiec
- Subjects
waste to energy ,waste to carbon ,mushroom spent compost ,biocoal ,torrefaction ,activation energy ,fuel properties ,circular economy ,Technology - Abstract
Poland, being the 3rd largest and growing producer of mushrooms in the world, generates almost 25% of the total European production. The generation rate of waste mushroom spent compost (MSC) amounts to 5 kg per 1 kg of mushrooms produced. We proposed the MSC treatment via torrefaction for the production of solid fuel—biocoal. In this research, we examined the MSC torrefaction kinetics using thermogravimetric analyses (TGA) and we tested the influence of torrefaction temperature within the range from 200 to 300 °C and treatment time lasting from 20 to 60 min on the resulting biocoal’s (fuel) properties. The estimated value of the torrefaction activation energy of MSC was 22.3 kJ mol−1. The highest calorific value = 17.9 MJ kg−1 d.m. was found for 280 °C (60 min torrefaction time). A significant (p < 0.05) influence of torrefaction temperature on HHV increase within the same group of torrefaction duration, i.e., 20, 40, or 60 min, was observed. The torrefaction duration significantly (p < 0.05) increased the HHV for 220 °C and decreased HHV for 300 °C. The highest mass yield (98.5%) was found for 220 °C (60 min), while the highest energy yield was found for 280 °C (60 min). In addition, estimations of the biocoal recirculation rate to maintain the heat self-sufficiency of MSC torrefaction were made. The net quantity of biocoal (torrefied MSC; 65.3% moisture content) and the 280 °C (60 min) torrefaction variant was used. The initial mass and energy balance showed that MSC torrefaction might be feasible and self-sufficient for heat when ~43.6% of produced biocoal is recirculated to supply the heat for torrefaction. Thus, we have shown a concept for an alternative utilization of abundant biowaste (MSC). This research provides a basis for alternative use of an abundant biowaste and can help charting improved, sustainable mushroom production.
- Published
- 2019
- Full Text
- View/download PDF
46. Green Pulp Mill: Renewable Alternatives to Fossil Fuels in Lime Kiln Operations.
- Author
-
Kuparinen, Katja and Vakkilainen, Esa
- Subjects
- *
PULP mills , *PAPER industry , *FOSSIL fuels , *CARBON dioxide mitigation , *LIMEKILNS , *WOOD waste - Abstract
Pulp mills are making increasing efforts to reduce fossil fuel use and carbon dioxide emissions. Lime kilns, which are typically fired with fuel oil or natural gas, use the most fossil fuel in modern pulp mills. A modern kraft pulp mill can be fossil fuel-free during normal operation if fossilbased lime kiln fuels are substituted with renewable alternatives. This study compared the production and use of various renewable fuels, namely, hydrogen, producer gas, torrefied biomass, lignin, and pulverized biomass, in lime kiln operations in a 1.5 Mt/a kraft pulp mill in South America to define the techno-economic optimum for the fossil fuelfree operation of the pulp mill. The attractiveness of each of the concepts was dependent on local conditions and especially the prices of fossil fuels and electricity. The results showed, however, that feasible options exist for the replacement of fossil fuels in lime kiln operations. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]
- Published
- 2017
- Full Text
- View/download PDF
47. A comparative economic analysis of torrefied pellet production based on state-of-the-art pellets.
- Author
-
Agar, David A.
- Subjects
- *
WOOD pellets , *CARBON dioxide , *SENSITIVITY analysis , *EMISSIONS (Air pollution) , *INDUSTRIAL costs - Abstract
Torrefied pellets have fuel properties superior to those of conventional wood pellets and potentially allow greater rates of co-firing and thus larger reductions in net CO 2 emissions. Despite the growing amount of scientific output on torrefaction, the economic feasibility of torrefied pellet production is still a topic of considerable uncertainty. This is an obstacle for decision makers looking to implement sustainable energy policies. This paper compares the economics of torrefied pellets to conventional wood pellets. Working backwards from demonstrated pellet properties, this work attempts to answer the following question: Based on state-of-the-art torrefied pellets, what would be the maximum capital investment required for a torrefied pellet plant so that production is economically viable? Herein, the production costs of torrefied pellets are calculated based on inputs in production. The market value of the produced pellets is estimated and a cash-flow analysis is carried out. Three economic indicators are calculated and compared for a torrefied and conventional pellet production scenario. A sensitivity analysis is carried out for selected process inputs and the cost of CO 2 through co-firing pellets is estimated. The results indicate that state-of-the-art torrefied pellet production cannot compete with conventional pellets even with transatlantic product transport distances. A high capital investment cost and a low heating value are the main barriers to economic feasibility of state-of-the-art torrefied pellets. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]
- Published
- 2017
- Full Text
- View/download PDF
48. Environmental Effects of Sewage Sludge Carbonization and Other Treatment Alternatives
- Author
-
Yu-Fong Huang, Pei-Te Chiueh, Chun-Hao Shih, and Ning-Yi Wang
- Subjects
sewage sludge ,carbonization ,life cycle assessment ,biocoal ,environmental impact ,Technology - Abstract
Carbonization is a newly developed process that converts sewage sludge to biocoal, a type of solid biomass that can partially substitute for coal during power generation. This study presents an assessment of the environmental effects of various sewage sludge treatment processes, including carbonization, direct landfills, co-incineration with municipal solid waste, and mono-incineration in Taiwan. This assessment was conducted using the life cycle assessment software SimaPro 7.2 and the IMPACT2002+ model. Results show that carbonization is the best approach for sewage sludge treatment, followed in descending order by co-incineration with municipal solid waste, direct landfills, and mono-incineration. The carbonization process has noticeable positive effects in the environmental impact categories of terrestrial ecotoxicity, aquatic ecotoxicity, land occupation, ionizing radiation, aquatic eutrophication, non-renewable energy, and mineral extraction. For the emission quantity of greenhouse gases, landfilling has the greatest impact (296.9 kg CO2 eq./t sludge), followed by mono-incineration (232.2 kg CO2 eq./t sludge) and carbonization (146.1 kg CO2 eq./t sludge). Co-incineration with municipal solid waste has the benefit of reducing green house gas emission (–15.4 kg CO2 eq./t sludge). In the aspect of energy recovery, sewerage sludge that has been pretreated by thickening, digestion, and dewatering still retains a high moisture content, and thus requires a significant amount of energy use when used as a substitute solid fuel. Therefore, the carbonization of sewage sludge would be a more sustainable option if the energy delivery and integration processes are made more efficient.
- Published
- 2013
- Full Text
- View/download PDF
49. The potential of hydrochar from sewage sludge as a soil improver
- Author
-
Akhlaghi, Lina
- Subjects
soil improvement ,Kemiteknik ,Hydrothermal carbonization ,biocoal ,Chemical Engineering ,hydrochar ,pyrolysis - Abstract
Margretelunds reningsverk i Åkersberga står såsom andra svenska avloppsreningsverk inför nya utmaningar i samband med anpassningen till ett mer hållbart och cirkulärt samhälle. För att bidra till en bra lokal miljö med få transporter och minimerad lukt, uppnå en hög grad av fosforåtervinning, samt reducera organiska och icke-organiska föreningar i slammet ska Roslagsvattenb i samarbete med IVL Svenska Miljöinstitutet utvärdera C-Greens OxyPower HTC-teknik. HTC-tekniken är hydrotermisk karbonisering (HTC) kombinerat med våtoxidation av HTC- vatten. Det våta slammet tas om hand på reningsverket och omvandlas till en fast kolanrikad produkt så kallad HTC-biokol eller hydrokol. HTC-processen innebär uppvärmning av det våta slammet (180–260°C) under högt tryck och syrefria förhållande med vatten närvarande. Hydrokolet som bildas kan uppgraderas till bränsle, jordförbättringsmedel eller aktiverat kol. I detta arbete studerades potentialen att använda hydrokol som jordförbättringsmedel genom att undersöka biokolets fysikaliska- och kemiska egenskaper. Hydrokol jämfördes med biokol från pyrolys som också är en förkolningsprocess av biomassa vid höga temperaturer (300–650 °C) under syrefria förhållande dock utan närvaro av vatten. Baserat på resultatet från publicerade studier, har hydrokol potentialen att ersätta eller komplettera mineralgödsel. Hydrokol förbättrar markens bördighet och produktivitet genom att t.ex. öka den totala växttillväxten, förbättrar mineraliseringen av näringsämnen och tillgängligheten av fosfor, samt ger en långsam frisättning av näringsämnen. Margretelund's treatment plant in Åkersberga, like other Swedish sewage treatment plants, faces new challenges in connection with the adaptation to a more sustainable and circular society. In order to contribute to a good local environment with few transports and minimized odors, achieve a high degree of phosphorus recovery, and reduce organic and inorganic pollutants in the sludge, Roslagsvatten, in collaboration with the IVL Swedish Environmental Institute, will evaluate C-Green's OxyPower HTC-technology. The HTC-technology is hydrothermal carbonization (HTC) combined with wet oxidation of HTC-water. The wet sludge is taken care of at the treatment plant and converted into a fast carbon-enriched product called HTC-biochar or hydrochar. The HTC-process involves heating the wet sludge (180–260°C) under high pressure and oxygen-free conditions with water present. The hydrochar that is formed can be upgraded to fuel, soil improver or activated carbon. In this work, the potential of using hydrochar as a soil improver is studied by examining the biochar's physical and chemical properties. Hydrochar was compared with biochar from pyrolysis, which is also a charring process of biomass at high temperatures (300–650 °C) under oxygen-free conditions but without the presence of water. Based on the results of published studies, hydrochar has the potential to replace or supplement mineral fertilizers. Hydrochar improves soil fertility and productivity by e.g. increase overall plant growth, improve nutrient mineralization and phosphorus availability, and provide a slow release of nutrients.
- Published
- 2022
50. Integration of biocoal in distributed energy systems: A potential case study in the Spanish coal-mining regions.
- Author
-
Paredes, B.M., Paredes, J.P., and García, R.
- Subjects
- *
WOOD pellets , *POWER resources , *ALTERNATIVE fuels , *CARBON emissions , *RENEWABLE energy sources , *POTENTIAL energy - Abstract
Energy has an essential role in socio-economic development, particularly in European coal-mining regions undergoing a transition process which implies searching for alternative fuels to coal. Forestry wastes provide a large amount of biomass that has the potential to be transformed into biocoal to produce solid biofuels. The present work aims to analyse the feasibility of integrating biocoals as a renewable solid fuel, produced by torrefaction and further mechanical densification, in the currently existing coal-consuming facilities. The methodology proposed evaluates existing forest waste resources and their potential conversion into biocoal pellets for use in thermal and electrical energy production. An analysis of the results indicates a potential overall production of 280 kt/year of torrefied pellets in the seven coal-mining regions in Spain evaluated in the study, with the potential to produce 78 MW e or 470 MW th , respectively, and avoid 582 kt/year of CO 2 emissions. The average cost for torrefied pellets production would be 148 €/t and require an emission cost of approximately above 45 €/t CO2 to be cost-competitive with coal for direct use in currently existing energy systems. The use of biocoal is shown from resource to energy management for energy conversion systems in the pathway of the energy transition. • European coal regions must meet EU targets in renewable energy production. • Bioenergy from torrefaction is a promising source in the energy transition. • Biocoal would avoid 582 kt/year of equivalent CO 2 emissions in Spain. • New energy conversion strategies can further develop the bioenergy sector. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]
- Published
- 2023
- Full Text
- View/download PDF
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