A review of the mitigation of deposition and emission problems during biomass combustion through washing pre-treatment.

Pre-treatment of biomass via washing has shown to reduce the ash deposition and air-borne emissions. Particle size and temperature are important parameters to consider when washing biomass. Washing removes the problematic chemical species like K Na, Ca, Mg, Fe, Cl, S and P from the biomass. Hot water washing improves the removal efficiency of these metals, therefore increasing the ash melting temperatures. Removal of S and Cl reduce acid gases formation and hence corrosion in boilers and associated environmental impact.