Process optimization of combined biomass torrefaction and pelletization for fuel pellet production - A parametric study

Torrefaction of plant biomass has the capacity to produce a fuel with increased energy density and homogeneity, but there are reports that it changes the pelletizing properties of the biomass, making it more difficult to obtain high quality pellets. A parametric study was therefore conducted in which three key qualitative parameters, degree of torrefaction (250-300 degrees C), moisture content (0-10%) and pelletizing temperature (125-180 degrees C), were varied according to a five level fractional factorial design, also including particle size as a qualitative parameter. Pelletizing at 300 MPa (pellet densities: 1.0-1.2 mg/mm(3)) was undertaken using a single pellet press and the responses recorded were compression work (W_comp), maximal force to overcome static friction (F_max), kinetic friction work (W_fric), single pellet dimensions and strength. Small particles reduced W_comp and F_max, but increased strength. As expected, all other parameters also had significant effects. In general, less energy was required for W_comp, W_fric and F_max at lower degrees of torrefaction and higher moisture contents and when pelletizing was conducted at higher temperatures. The process window to optimize pellet strength was narrow and, surprisingly, somewhat higher moisture content at higher degrees of torrefaction increased strength. This narrow production window in combination with feedstock variations may, in practical pelletizing situations, result in varying quality. Furthermore, the study illustrates that factorial experiments using single-pellet devices provide new insights that are of importance for the next generation of pelletizing of torrefied biomass.