Study of torrefactionin the sugarcane bagasse and energy cane and its utilization in thermoconversion processes

Abstract

This work aims to study the influence of the torrefaction process of biomasses, sugarcane bagasse and energy cane, and its thermal decomposition in nature and of the products generated in order to analyze its use in thermoconversion route, mainly the pyrolysis process. The essays will be performed in a fixed bed in semi-pilot scale, named UBC-BTGA (University of British Columbia's big thermo-gravimetric analyzer). The variables proposed for this study will be at different levels: time (15 to 60 minutes) and temperature (200 to 300 ° C), particle diameter (250-3000 uM) and moisture (0-50%). The response variables of solid produced will be: mass yield (RM), high heating value (PCS), and energy efficiency (RE). The solid materials properties will be quantified before and after roasting, such as: physical (density, sphericity, diameter distribution, grindability, and hygroscopicity), thermal (immediate analysis and high heating value) and chemical (elemental analysis and inorganic elements). The products generated from the gas and liquid phases are analyzed by chromatography (GC-MS and gas, respectively). In order to perfect the experiments, the Statistica tool can be applied to obtain the predominant variables. The thermal decomposition analysis of the raw material and torrefied (best condition) may be held in their own operating equipment considering heating rates between 5-20 ° C/min (ICTAC Kinetics Committee recommendations). Finally, a study of the electrical consumption may be useful to check the costs of applied operations. This information will help in developing new technologies for application of sugarcane bagasse and energy cane, thus contributing to Canadian and Brazilian energy matrix. (AU)