Effect of torrefaction on properties of solid granulated fuel of different biomass types

Possibilities of application of low-temperature pyrolysis (torrefaction) for improvement of thermotechnical characteristics of biomass granulated fuel are considered. The data on hygroscopic properties, content of volatile matter and heating value of the torrefied biomass fuel produced under various conditions of processing of such types of biomass as wood, peat, and agricultural waste are presented. It is shown that the high-temperature conversion of gases and vapors, escaping during torrefaction, into synthesis gas is an effective method of their environmentally friendly utilization and, at the same time, increases the energy efficiency of biomass processing to granulated fuel.