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    Essential basics on biomass torrefaction, densification and utilization
    (Wiley, 2020-09-24) Adekunle Akanni Adeleke; Jamiu Kolawole Odusote; Peter Pelumi Ikubanni; Olumuyiwa A. Lasode; Madhurai Malathi; Dayanand Paswan
    Torrefaction and densification are crucial steps in upgrading biomass as feed-stock for energy generation and metallurgical applications. This paperattempts to discuss essential basics on biomass torrefaction and densification,which can propel developing nation to take full advantage of them. The mostpromising clean energy sources that have found applications in various areasare biomass materials, that is, both the lignocellulosic and non-lignocellulosi c.However, high moisture contents, low energy density, hydrophilic nature, poorstorage and handling properties are the major drawbacks limiting its useful-ness. Therefore, torrefaction as one of the major thermal pre-treatment pro-cesses to upgrade biomass in terms of improved energy density, hydrophobic,moisture content and grindability has been discussed. The influence of temper-ature, residence time, particle sizes and gas flow rates on the properties of tor-refied biomass has also been discussed. The advantages and disadvantages ofvarious torrefaction technologies have also been highlighted. The possibleareas of application of torrefied biomass especially densification into pelletsand briquettes alongside the equipment required for it have been reviewed inthis paper. The torrefied biomass can be deployed in the metallurgical indus-tries as reducing agent in the development of sponge iron from iron ores ofvarious grade including lean ones. The information gathered in this paperfrom peer-reviewed articles will reduce the burden of seeking to understandthe preliminaries of torrefaction process and its importance
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    INFLUENCE OF TORREFACTION ON LIGNOCELLULOSIC WOODY BIOMASS OF NIGERIAN ORIGIN
    (Journal of Chemical Technology and Metallurgy, 2019-02-02) Adekunle Akanni Adeleke; Jamiu Kolawole Odusote; Paswan Dayanand; Lasode Olumuyiwa Ajani; Malathi Madhurai
    Torrefaction process is a thermal treatment that can improve quality of lignocellulosic biomass into a carbon-rich and hydrophobic feedstock which is applicable as fuel and metallurgical reductant. Biomass (Melina and Teak wood) of Nigerian origin was subjected to mild (240o C) and severe (300o C) torrefaction treatment at different residence times (30 and 60 min) and particle sizes (+0.5 - 2 mm and +4 - 6.35 mm). Raw biomass and biochar from torrefaction were subjected to proximate, ultimate, higher heating value and SEM analyses. The mass yield obtained for mild treatment conditions for both biomass was in the range of 72 - 84 (wt. %) compared to 40 - 54 (wt. %) under severe treatment conditions. However, 33 - 56 % increment in higher hating value was observed for severe treatment conditions as against 11 - 17 % of mild treatment condition. This ultimately led to a 60 - 72 (wt. %) energy yield for severe treatment conditions and 73 - 94 (wt. %). The fixed carbon content increased from the range of 8 - 11 (wt. %) to 20 - 61 (wt. %) after torrefaction. The volatile matter content under mild condition was reduced by 7 - 10 % for both biomass as against 41 - 47 % under severe treatment condition. The fuel ratio increased from 0.11 and 0.15 for Melina and Teak woods respectively to a range of 0.22 - 0.25 for mild treatment conditions and 0.97 - 1.75 for severe treatment condition. The H/C and O/C atomic ratios of biochar were lowered towards that of sub-bituminous coal and peat. A honey-comb-like structure with cylindrical holes were observed for biochar compared to the fibrous and spongy nature of the raw biomass. Biomass of Nigerian origin were improved under torrefaction and thus can be suitable as feedstock in thermal or metallurgical applications.