Development and evaluation of biomass feeding devices to be used in DTF for studies of thermochemical processes

Abstract

Feeding systems are devices used in reactors that provide uniform continuous flow of the feeding materials. Biomass feeding is usually difficult due to several factors and especially because the size and shape of these materials vary considerably. The efficiency of such systems is intrinsically related to the homogeneity of the materials flow, which is dependent on the adequate design of the device. This project aims at evaluating the influence of parameters related to both screw and vibratory systems so as to contribute to the development of a biomass feeding device that ensures reliability and reproducibility of the mass flow rate. Experiments will be performed at room temperature for the evaluation of the stability of the biomass flow rate and also at high temperatures (800oC - 1000oC) on a laboratorial reactor scale, namely DTF (Drop Tube Furnace), for the understanding of the performance of the feeding systems and also the thermal behavior of the biomasses. The use of thermogravimetric analysis (TGA) in the evaluation of the ashes generated in the combustion will enable a quantitative understanding of the efficiency of the process.