Biomass Gasification, Pyrolysis, and Torrefaction

Practical Design, Theory, and Climate Change Mitigation

4th Edition - August 31, 2023
Authors: Prabir Basu, Priyanka Kaushal
Language: English
Paperback ISBN:
9 7 8 - 0 - 4 4 3 - 1 3 7 8 4 - 6
eBook ISBN:
9 7 8 - 0 - 4 4 3 - 1 3 7 8 5 - 3

Biomass Gasification, Pyrolysis, and Torrefaction: Practical Design, Theory, and Climate Change Mitigation, Fourth Edition explores the role of biomass conversion in climate c… Read more

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Biomass Gasification, Pyrolysis, and Torrefaction: Practical Design, Theory, and Climate Change Mitigation, Fourth Edition explores the role of biomass conversion in climate change mitigation. With a focus on design, analysis and operational aspects of biomass gasification, pyrolysis and torrefaction, this edition offers comprehensive coverage of biomass in its gas, liquid and solid states. Processing and cleaning of product gas in gasification is considered, as are biomaterials and their development, making this a versatile resource that not only explains the basic principles of energy conversion systems, but also provides valuable insights into the design of a complete biomass conversion systems.

For the first time, hydrogen production for fuel cells applications is addressed, reflecting the expanding role of hydrogen as a fuel source. Although the book carries the name ‘biomass’, the bulk of its content is also applicable to non-biomass fuels like coal, petcoke, municipal solid waste and others. This book will allow professionals, such as engineers, scientists, and operating personnel of biomass gasification, pyrolysis or torrefaction plants, to gain a better comprehension of biomass conversion.

Cover image
Title page
Table of Contents
Copyright
Dedication
About the authors
Preface
Acknowledgments
Chapter 1. Introduction to biomass conversion
Abstract
1.1 Introduction
1.2 Biomass and its products
1.3 Biomass conversion
1.4 Motivation for biomass conversion
1.5 Historical background
1.6 Commercial attraction of gasification
Symbols and nomenclature
Chapter 2. Basics of climate change and its mitigation
Abstract
2.1 Introduction
2.2 Nine planetary boundaries
2.3 Climate change
2.4 Impact of climate change
2.5 Drivers for climate change
2.6 Climate actions
2.7 Role of biomass in climate change
2.8 Climate change and soil
Chapter 3. Basic reactions of biomass conversion
Abstract
3.1 Introduction
3.2 Thermochemical conversion routes
Chapter 4. Biomass characteristics
Abstract
4.1 Introduction
4.2 What is biomass?
4.3 Structure of biomass
4.4 General classification of biomass fuels
4.5 Properties of biomass
4.6 Composition of biomass
Symbols and nomenclature
Chapter 5. Biomass carbonization and torrefaction
Abstract
5.1 Introduction
5.2 Torrefaction
5.3 Carbonization
5.4 Torrefaction process
5.5 Quality of torrefaction
5.6 Physical properties of torrefied biomass
5.7 Torrefaction technologies
5.8 Design methods
Appendix: mass and energy balance of torrefier
Symbols and nomenclature
Chapter 6. Pyrolysis
Abstract
6.1 Introduction
6.2 Pyrolysis
6.3 Pyrolysis product yield
6.4 Pyrolysis kinetics
6.5 Heat transfer in a pyrolyzer
6.6 Pyrolyzer types
6.7 Pyrolyzer design considerations
6.8 Biochar
Symbols and nomenclature
Chapter 7. Gasification theory
Abstract
7.1 Introduction
7.2 Gasification reactions and steps
7.3 Gasification process
7.4 Kinetics of gasification
7.5 Gasification models
7.6 Applications of kinetic model
Symbols and nomenclature
Chapter 8. Design of biomass gasifiers
Abstract
8.1 Introduction
8.2 Fixed bed/moving bed gasifiers
8.3 Fluidized-bed gasifiers
8.4 Entrained-flow gasifiers
8.5 Plasma gasifier
8.6 Process design
8.7 Product gas prediction
8.8 Gasifier sizing
8.9 Design optimization
8.10 Performance and operating issues
Symbols and nomenclature
Chapter 9. Contaminants and cleaning of product gases
Abstract
9.1 Introduction
9.2 Types of contaminants
9.3 Gas cleaning
9.4 Gas cleaning methods
9.5 Ex situ methods
Chapter 10. Hydrothermal conversion of biomass
Abstract
10.1 Introduction
10.2 Hydrothermal conversion in supercritical water
10.3 Supercritical water
10.4 Biomass conversion in supercritical water
10.5 Application of biomass conversion in supercritical water
10.6 Effect of operating parameters on supercritical water conversion
10.7 Reaction kinetics
10.8 Reactor design
10.9 Corrosion
10.10 Energy application of supercritical water
10.11 Major challenges for supercritical water gasification
Symbols and nomenclature
Chapter 11. Hydrogen production and fuel cells
Abstract
11.1 Introduction
11.2 Hydrogen production
11.3 Fuel cell
11.4 Hydrogen economy
Symbols and nomenclature
Chapter 12. Biomass combustion and cofiring
Abstract
12.1 Introduction
12.2 Benefits and shortcomings of biomass cofiring
12.3 Emission reduction through biomass cofiring
12.4 Carbon capture and sequestration (CCS)
12.5 Cofiring options
12.6 Operating problems of biomass cofiring
12.7 Cofiring with torrefied wood
Chapter 13. Energy and materials from biomass
Abstract
13.1 Introduction
13.2 Syngas
13.3 Conversion of syngas into chemicals
13.4 Bio-oil
13.5 Transport fuels from biomass
13.6 Biochar from biomass
Symbols and nomenclature
Chapter 14. Biomass handling
Abstract
14.1 Introduction
14.2 Design of a biomass energy system
14.3 Biomass-handling system
14.4 Biomass feeders
14.5 Cost of biomass-handling system
Symbols and nomenclature
Chapter 15. Financial analysis of biomass conversion projects
Abstract
15.1 Introduction
15.2 Biomass availability and products
15.3 Financial analysis
15.4 Sustainability project
Symbols and nomenclature
Chapter 16. Ecological economics, sustainability, and circular economy
Abstract
16.1 Introduction
16.2 Ecological economics
16.3 Sustainability
16.4 Circular economy
16.5 Limits of growth
Chapter 17. Analytical techniques for biomass analysis
Abstract
17.1 Introduction
17.2 Composition of biomass
17.3 Heating value
17.4 Differential scanning calorimetry
17.5 Reactivity measurements
17.6 Pyrolysis-gas chromatography/mass spectrometry
Online content
Appendix A. Definition of biomass
Appendix B. Physical constants and unit conversions
B.1 Physical constants
B.2 Summary of common conversion units
Appendix C. Selected design data tables
Glossary
References
Index

Prabir Basu

Dr. Prabir Basu, founding President of Greenfield Research Incorporated, a private research and development company in Canada that specializes in gasification and torrefaction, is an active researcher and designer of biomass energy conversion systems. Dr. Basu holds a position of Professor in Mechanical Engineering Department and is Head of Circulating Fluidized Bed Laboratory at Dalhousie University, Halifax His current research interests include frontier areas, chemical looping gasification, torrefaction, biomass cofiring amongst others.

Professor Basu also founded of the prestigious triennial International Conference series on Circulating Fluidized Beds, and a private R&D company, Fluidized Bed Systems Limited that specializes on design, training and investigative services on fluidized bed boilers.

Professor Basu has been working in the field of energy conversion and the environment for more than 30 years. Prior to joining the engineering faculty at Dalhousie University (formerly known as the Technical University of Nova Scotia), he worked with both a government research laboratory and a boiler manufacturing company.

Dr. Basu’s passion for the transformation of research results into industrial practice is well known, as is his ongoing commitment to spreading advanced knowledge around the world. He has authored more than 200 research papers and seven monographs in emerging areas of energy and environment, some of which have been translated into Chinese and Korean. He is well known internationally for providing expert advices on circulating fluidized bed boilers and conducting training courses to industries and universities across the globe.

Affiliations and expertise

Founding President, Greenfield Research Incorporated and Professor, Mechanical Engineering Department and Head of Circulating Fluidized Bed Laboratory, Dalhousie University, Halifax, Canada

Priyanka Kaushal

She is presently an Associate Professor in Indian Institute of Technology, Delhi, India. She has research and teaching experience of twenty years in the areas of bioenergy and environment. Her present research interest lies in the interface between Energy Systems, Society and Climate Change. After obtaining Ph.D. from Technical University of Vienna, Austria and working in Calgary and Dalhousie University in Canada she joined The Energy and Resources Institute New Delhi. A think tank that spearheads the global action on climate change research and prepared multiple assessment report under the aegis of IPCC. This tenure allowed her to make significant contribution to designing policies and evaluating pathways to decarbonize the energy, material, and agriculture systems in India and elsewhere in the world. Additionally, she has been involved in cooperation and capacity building between Asia and Africa through multi and bi-lateral organizations.

Affiliations and expertise

Associate Professor, Indian Institute of Technology, Delhi, India

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