Use of superheated steam in the process of biomass torrefaction

An installation for a continuous biomass torrefaction in the presence of superheated steam was designed and constructed. As raw materials for the process, corn straw, oat straw, energy crops such as miscanthus, pine sawdust and dry sewage sludge from a sewage treatment plant were used. Depending on the degree of torrefaction, renewable solid fuel, biochar as an additive to natural organic fertilizers, and activated C as a biosorbent for removing heavy metals from exhaust gases were obtained. Use of superheated steam significantly improved the economic viability of the process.