Torrefaction of wood construction waste and eucalyptus blends for biofuel with enhanced energy density and low ash content
2023
Barbosa, Thais | Chaves, Bruno Santana | Galvão, Luiz Gustavo O. | Rodrigues, Juliana Sabino | Cruz Lamas, Giulia | Rodrigues Cardoso, Marcela | Rousset, Patrick | Silveira, Edgar A.
Civil construction is one of the most important economic and social development areas. In this sector, many natural resources are used, generating significant waste. It is estimated that 98% of Brazil's civil construction waste could be recycled, but only 21% has a correct destination. Wood construction waste (WCW) (15% of all construction waste) is a prominent biomass source with potential energy use. Further, lignocellulosic biomass is considered a carbon-neutral biofuel. However, biomass has some limitations for energy use; it has a high moisture content, low calorific value, and low density, among other barriers. In addition, WCW contains contamination, such as cement traces, which include elements that increase the ash content. Therefore, the formation of blends is a possible solution to take advantage of the residue. In addition, torrefaction treatment provides a solid product with higher energy density and better properties for further valuation on thermochemical routes. In this context, this study aims to perform the thermal upgrade of biomass blends by applying torrefaction pre-treatment. First, blends were established by mixing 50:50 of WCW and Eucalyptus. Then, torrefaction treatment was performed under inert conditions at 200, 250, and 300 °C at 50 min (isotherm). Finally, the torrefied product was assessed by investigating solid yield evolution, ash content, higher heating value, and energy yield.B250 possesses 1.24% of ash content (less than 1.48% of WCW) and an HHV increment of 5%, presenting 20.76 MJ kg–1, being, for instance, the suitable treatment for reducing ash content while upgrading HHV.
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