Effects of operating conditions and pre-densification on the torrefaction products of sorghum straw

Authors

  • Xuanzuo Liu 1. Institute of Environment and Sustainable Development in Agriculture, Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Beijing 100081, China; 2. School of Mechanical Engineering and Automation, Northeastern University, Shenyang 110819, China
  • Zonglu Yao 1. Institute of Environment and Sustainable Development in Agriculture, Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Beijing 100081, China
  • Hongbin Cong 3. Key Laboratory of Energy Resource Utilization from Agriculture Residue of Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Affairs, Academy of Agricultural Planning and Engineering, MARA, Beijing 100125, China
  • Lixin Zhao 1. Institute of Environment and Sustainable Development in Agriculture, Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Beijing 100081, China; 3. Key Laboratory of Energy Resource Utilization from Agriculture Residue of Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Affairs, Academy of Agricultural Planning and Engineering, MARA, Beijing 100125, China
  • Lili Huo 1. Institute of Environment and Sustainable Development in Agriculture, Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Beijing 100081, China; 3. Key Laboratory of Energy Resource Utilization from Agriculture Residue of Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Affairs, Academy of Agricultural Planning and Engineering, MARA, Beijing 100125, China
  • Jinchun Song 2. School of Mechanical Engineering and Automation, Northeastern University, Shenyang 110819, China

Keywords:

torrefaction, pre-densification, pyrolysis characteristics, operating condition, sorghum straw, heat transfer

Abstract

The effects of operating conditions and pre-densification on the torrefaction performance parameters and the properties of the torrefied sorghum straw were studied. A full-factor experiment was performed on a fixed tube furnace, in which sorghum straw powder and pellets were heated to 230°C, 260°C, 280°C and 300°C at 2.5°C/min, 5°C/min and 7.5°C/min, respectively. The pyrolysis characteristics of the sorghum straw torrefied under various operating conditions were complemented by thermogravimetric analysis. It was observed that the high temperature led to the high calorific value of the torrefied sorghum straw with an acceptable mass and energy yield. The sorghum straw torrefied at a temperature above 280°C had a higher heating value (HHV) that was comparable to that of the low rank coal while maintaining its energy yield above 85%. The results suggested that temperature was an important factor determining the properties of the torrefied products, and the heating rate would affect the internal temperature of the torrefied biomass by affecting the heat transfer during the torrefaction. The energy densification index of the pellets decreased uniformly as the heating rate increased proportionally, indicating that pre-densification can be used as a potential method to solve the heat transfer delay in the fixed reactors at high heating rates, especially for high temperatures. Keywords: torrefaction, pre-densification, pyrolysis characteristics, operating condition, sorghum straw, heat transfer DOI: 10.25165/j.ijabe.20201304.5517 Citation: Liu X Z, Yao Z L, Cong H B, Zhao L X, Huo L L, Song J C. Effects of operating conditions and pre-densification on the torrefaction products of sorghum straw. Int J Agric & Biol Eng, 2020; 13(4): 219–225.

Author Biography

Xuanzuo Liu, 1. Institute of Environment and Sustainable Development in Agriculture, Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Beijing 100081, China; 2. School of Mechanical Engineering and Automation, Northeastern University, Shenyang 110819, China

Mechanical Engineering and Automation

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Published

2020-08-07

How to Cite

Liu, X., Yao, Z., Cong, H., Zhao, L., Huo, L., & Song, J. (2020). Effects of operating conditions and pre-densification on the torrefaction products of sorghum straw. International Journal of Agricultural and Biological Engineering, 13(4), 219–225. Retrieved from https://ijabe.migration.pkpps06.publicknowledgeproject.org/index.php/ijabe/article/view/5517

Issue

Vol. 13 No. 4 (2020): IJABE

Section

Renewable Energy and Material Systems

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