[Stoves] Is there a role for combining torrefaction and char-making stoves? HM

Sat Feb 25 12:30:43 CST 2012

Stovers,

There is a test method from the Pellet Fuels Institute that measures the
durability of pellets. Called the Pellet Durability Index. I now have that
equipment because I want to determine if that will be a useful test I can
use for biochars.  For an experiment I can take some pellets and torrefy
them at a specified temperature and compare their durability (before and
after) might be some useful info. But better is to make pellets from the
torrefied wood because if I do it on the pre-made wood pellets the wood will
change shape and likely give different results. 

Also; The equipment used in the test designed at Kanas State University is a
very strange piece of equipment IMO. Not sure how they came up with the
design that has a partial stop on one side of the chamber (?!?) when
tumbling the pellets.  Perhaps someone knows of another test procedure?

Regards
Frank

Frank Shields
42 Hangar Way
Watsonville,  CA  95076
(831) 724-5244 tel
(831) 724-3188 fax
frank at bioCharlab.com

-----Original Message-----
From: stoves-bounces at lists.bioenergylists.org
[mailto:stoves-bounces at lists.bioenergylists.org] On Behalf Of Tom Miles
Sent: Saturday, February 25, 2012 9:20 AM
To: 'Discussion of biomass cooking stoves'; 'Crispin Pemberton-Pigott'
Cc: 'Hugh McLaughlin'
Subject: Re: [Stoves] Is there a role for combining torrefaction and
char-making stoves? HM

Crispin,

ECN in the Netherlands has done work on the energy requirements for
pelleting. I size the pellet mill for wood and expect to get 50% more
production with torrified wood but I haven't pelletized TW in a full scale
mill yet. Last year I reviewed a paper from Denmark for an academic journal
that showed that pellet integrity breaks down if you torrefy wood at or
about 285 C which is supposed to be the magic temperature for torrefaction.
When you modify the cellulose and hemicellulose the plastic flow of the
lignin is not as complete so you do not get thorough bonding. I suspect that
producers will find a slightly lower temperature that will provide the
pellet quality but still be more than over-dried wood. 

See http://www.biochar.bioenergylists.org/search/node/torrefaction
http://www.biochar.bioenergylists.org/ecn030808

Tom  

-----Original Message-----
From: stoves-bounces at lists.bioenergylists.org
[mailto:stoves-bounces at lists.bioenergylists.org] On Behalf Of Paul S.
Anderson
Sent: Saturday, February 25, 2012 8:08 AM
To: Discussion of biomass cooking stoves; Crispin Pemberton-Pigott
Cc: Hugh McLaughlin; 'Discussion of biomass cooking stoves'
Subject: Re: [Stoves] Is there a role for combining torrefaction and
char-making stoves? HM

--
Paul S. Anderson, PhD
Known to some as:    Dr TLUD      Doc      Professor
Phone (USA): 309-452-7072   SKYPE: paultlud   Email: psanders at ilstu.edu
www.gtz.de/de/dokumente/giz2011-en-micro-gasification.pdf (excellent ref.)
My website specific for TLUD information: www.drtlud.com  =  www.DrTLUD.com

Crispin,

> Torrefaction greatly reduces the amount of power needed for pelletizing.
> Can you give us a reference on that, or if not, can you suggest a 
> general rule about the reduction in energy requirement? That would be 
> a valuable number to remember.

Sorry, that is far beyond my knowledge base.  But others know it or can find
it.  It is indisputable, but at what quantifiable point does it have a net
benefit?  I too await that answer.

Hugh McLaughlin might know that, so I have cc'ed him.  (He is not subscribed
to the Stoves Listserv, so be sure to include his address if you want him to
get a message.)

Paul
--
Paul S. Anderson, PhD
Known to some as:    Dr TLUD      Doc      Professor
Phone (USA): 309-452-7072   SKYPE: paultlud   Email: psanders at ilstu.edu
www.gtz.de/de/dokumente/giz2011-en-micro-gasification.pdf (excellent ref.)
My website specific for TLUD information: www.drtlud.com  =  www.DrTLUD.com

Quoting Crispin Pemberton-Pigott <crispinpigott at gmail.com>:

> Dear Paul
>
>
>
> Thanks for the concise (distillation?) of facts about torrefaction. Just
one
> question:
>
>
>
> Torrefaction greatly reduces the amount of power needed for pelletizing.
>
>
>
> Can you give us a reference on that, or if not, can you suggest a general
> rule about the reduction in energy requirement? That would be a valuable
> number to remember.
>
>
>
> The point about processing of fuels is very reasonable. In the South
Africa
> they make paraffin out of coal. Zero sulphur.
>
>
>
> Regards
> Crispin
>
>
>
>

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