Advances in biomass torrefaction: Parameters, models, reactors, applications, deployment, and market

Abstract

Biomass is a promising renewable source that can reduce fossil fuel consumption and associated greenhouse gas emissions, but some of its characteristics make it difficult to use in its raw form. Torrefaction has been proposed as a thermochemical pretreatment to upgrade biomass for direct applications such as combustion and gasification, biochar and chemicals production, while reducing its transportation cost and increasing its shelf-life. Research, development, and demonstration of biomass torrefaction technologies have advanced during the last few decades, but many science and engineering fundamentals as well as technological challenges remain, especially in the areas of reaction thermodynamics and kinetics, reactor models and design, large-scale implementation, and environmental performance. In this paper we present a comprehensive review of recent developments in biomass torrefaction research and technology focusing on kinetics, particle and reactor scale models, and reactor designs. The impacts of torrefaction as a pretreatment of biomass on subsequent conversion processes, and the novel applications of torrefied biomass are discussed. The energy management, environmental impacts, economic and market potential of the technology as well as the deployment options are also addressed. There is no best universal torrefaction reactor and hence the choice should be made based on the biomass feedstock and the expected production rate and application. To reduce process costs and competition with other uses of biomass, the utilization of either waste or environmentally sustainable, more abundant, and faster growing biomass should be targeted for this technology. Torrefied biomass produced at higher temperatures resemble pyrolysis biochar in several properties thereby making it suitable for most biochar applications. Finally, considering the need to identify the bottlenecks that potentially could limit the use of torrefaction, and its preceding or subsequent processes, the future prospects, challenges, and opportunities of torrefaction technology are presented.