The potential use of torrefied Nigerian biomass for combustion applications

Many countries are seeking to expand their use of solid biomass for electricity and heat generation. Nigeria, too, is exploring its own potential energy crops and indigenous residues. The use of this biomass for energy production is, however, limited by factors such as high moisture content, low bulk and low energy density. This study examines the torrefaction and combustion properties of four readily available Nigerian woody biomass, Gmelina arborea, Terminalia superba, Nauclea diderrichii, Lophira alata and a residue, palm kernel expeller (PKE). They are considered for their suitability for use in large scale power stations, especially as pulverized fuels.

The Fuels were torrefied at 270 and 290 °C for either 30 or 60 min, and assessed for pyrolysis and combustion characteristics in comparison to their untreated counterparts. Energy densities of the woods improved from 19.2 to 21.2 MJ/kg for the raw fuels to 21.5–24.6 MJ/kg for the torrefied fuels. The milling behaviour of the torrefied fuels improved upon torrefaction, especially for Nauclea; however, torrefaction had very little effect on the grindability of PKE. The apparent first order kinetics for pyrolysis were determined by thermogravimetric analysis (TGA). After torrefaction, the fuels become less reactive; Nauclea and Gmelina were the most reactive fuels, whilst PKE was the least reactive. The combustion behavior of selected fuels was visually examined in a methane air flame. This showed that torrefaction resulted in shorter ignition delay, shorter duration of volatile combustion and longer duration of char burn out.