Theoretical and Applied Aspects of Biomass Torrefaction
For Biofuels and Value-Added Products
- 1st Edition - June 16, 2017
- Authors: Stephen Gent, Michael Twedt, Christina Gerometta, Evan Almberg
- Language: English
- Paperback ISBN:9 7 8 - 0 - 1 2 - 8 0 9 4 8 3 - 9
- eBook ISBN:9 7 8 - 0 - 1 2 - 8 0 9 5 1 7 - 1
Theoretical and Applied Aspects of Biomass Torrefaction: For Biofuels and Value-Added Products presents a firm foundation of torrefaction technologies and their economic and susta… Read more

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Request a sales quoteTheoretical and Applied Aspects of Biomass Torrefaction: For Biofuels and Value-Added Products presents a firm foundation of torrefaction technologies and their economic and sustainability aspects. It offers a theoretical background in the underlying principles of torrefaction reactions, including thermodynamics, chemical reactions, process modeling, end-products, and value-added products such as biochar and torr-gas. It also provides an overview of best practices in torrefaction systems, reactor design and scale-up, and compares torrefaction with other thermochemical processing technologies.
The authors discuss feedstock availability for a variety of biomass types, such as agricultural residues, woody residues, energy crops and municipal solid waste. They also examine logistics and markets for torrefied products, which includes their use in co-firing and combined heat and power generation, as well as emissions and other environmental aspects. This balanced and thorough approach to the subject matter makes this an excellent resource for engineers, researchers, and graduate students in the field of biomass conversion, especially with background in energy engineering, mechanical engineering, chemical engineering, environmental engineering, biological engineering, and agriculture.
- Offers a comprehensive overview of torrefaction, balancing theoretical and applied perspectives of torrefaction technologies from a holistic perspective
- Examines economic and sustainability aspects, including logistics, markets, feedstock, and emissions
- Presents a variety of relevant, real-world examples that underscore the production and utilization of torrefied material
- Offers a balanced and thorough approach to the subject, making it an excellent resource for engineers, researchers, and graduate students in the field of biomass conversion
Engineers, researchers and graduate students in the field of biomass conversion, especially with background in mechanical engineering, chemical engineering, environmental engineering , biological engineering and agriculture
1. Introduction to Thermochemical Conversion Processes 1.1 Motivation—A Need for Sustainable Energy and Products 1.2 Biobased Energy and Products 1.3 Conversion Pathways 1.4 Classifying Thermochemical Conversion Pathways 1.5 History of Torrefaction 1.6 Units 1.7 Intent of This Book End of Chapter Questions References 2. Introduction to Feedstocks 2.1 Classifying Biomass Feedstocks 2.2 Harvesting and Transporting Feedstocks 2.3 Case Study: Determining the Availability of Corn Stover for Torrefaction 2.4 Composition of Lignocellulosic Biomass End of Chapter Questions References 3. Fundamental Theories of Torrefaction by Thermochemical Conversion 3.1 Temperature and Residence Time’s Implications on Torrefaction 3.2 Chemical Reactions 3.3 Torrefaction Model 3.4 Properties of Torrefied Biomass Appendix A References 4. Design Practices for Torrefaction Systems 4.1 Grinding and Drying Systems 4.2 Reactor Designs 4.3 Energy Capture and Reclamation 4.4 Post-Processing of Torrefied Products 4.5 Examples of Torrefaction Systems End of Chapter Questions References Further Reading 5. Techno-Economic Considerations of Torrefaction 5.1 Markets for Torrefied Products 5.2 Adding Value to Biomass 5.3 Hydrophobicity 5.4 Additional Value-Added Bioproducts 5.5 System Economics/Calculating the Overall Rate of Return 5.6 Techno-Economic Examples of Torrefaction Systems End of Chapter Questions References 6. Torrefaction Bioenergy Generation 6.1 Fundamentals 6.2 Torrefied Biomass vs. Coal for Power Generation 6.3 Cofiring in Existing Coal Fired Power Plants 6.4 Combined Heat and Power End of Chapter Sample Problems End of Chapter Questions References 7. Torrefaction Bioenergy Applications 7.1 Applications 7.2 Energy System Examples End of Chapter Sample Problems Solution End of Chapter Questions References 8. Environmental Considerations of Torrefaction 8.1 Motivation—Our World in the Balance 8.2 Environmental Considerations of Feedstocks 8.3 Environmental Considerations of Torrefaction Processing 8.4 Environmental Considerations of Utilizing Energy and Products Derived From Torrefied Biomass 8.5 Holistic Perspective of Torrefaction in the Bioeconomy End of Chapter Questions References Further Reading
Index
- No. of pages: 224
- Language: English
- Edition: 1
- Published: June 16, 2017
- Imprint: Butterworth-Heinemann
- Paperback ISBN: 9780128094839
- eBook ISBN: 9780128095171
SG
Stephen Gent
MT
Michael Twedt
CG
Christina Gerometta
EA
Evan Almberg
He graduated from South Dakota State University in 2016 holding a M.S. and B.S. in Mechanical Engineering where he focused on Sustainable Energy Systems and Thermo-fluids.
He worked doing research on energy systems; including pyrolysis and bio-oil production, feasibility and economic modeling of torrefaction systems, as well as studies comparing ethanol blends to gasoline.