Torrefaction of Norwegian Birch and Spruce: An Experimental Study Using Macro-TGA

This work aims to analyze the torrefaction process with Norwegian birch and spruce as feedstocks. Torrefaction experiments were performed in a macro-TGA (thermogravimetric analysis) reactor with provisions for continuous volatile measurements through micro-GC (gas chromatography) and FTIR (Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy). The process temperature (225 and 275 °C), holdup time (30 and 60 min), and sample size (10 and 40 mm cubes) were included as variations in the experimental matrix. Fuel characterizations, DTG (derivative thermogravimetric) curves, product yields, hydrophobicity tests, grinding energies, and particle-size distributions are discussed. The raw fuels were used as a reference for the comparisons. It was found that the birch has a higher devolatilization rate than the spruce under all tested conditions, resulting in a larger percentage increase in its carbon content. An increase in the temperature has the strongest effect on the properties of the torrefied product among all of the stu...

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