Numerical modeling and experimental assessment of sustainable woody biomass torrefaction via coupled TG-FTIR

Torrefaction is an inert thermal process (up to 300 degrees C) that promotes changes in the chemical and physical properties of biomass, decreasing the time and energy required for biomass conversion. In this work, an online method TG coupled with FTIR and elemental analysis were applied to acquire data in order to perform an experimental and numerical thermal upgrading assessment of Eucalyptus grandis, and in turn study the torrefaction mechanism. A thermal sensitivity numerical model was employed to obtain two-step reaction kinetic rates and solid and volatile compositions. The FTIR results added new perceptions that correlate and validate the solid and volatile pseudo-component distribution, the solid elemental composition prediction, devolatilization, and solid HHV estimation. As a result, the 2D property mapping allowed for a qualitative and quantitative assessment of all torrefaction severities. The obtained kinetics and the response diagrams from the numerical results can provide valuable references for practical operations and reactor design.