Torrefaction is a process that converts biomass into biocoal, a renewable fuel similar to coal. A presentation outlined the benefits of biocoal production and discussed a dynamic simulation model for process design and optimization. Biocoal has properties making it suitable for use in existing coal infrastructure without major modifications. The simulation model tracks plant economics and emissions in real-time and connects to facility controls for performance optimization. The goal is to demonstrate torrefaction as a promising solution for replacing coal and contributing to renewable energy sector growth.

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Process design and dynamic simulation of biocoal
production via torrefaction
Wilson Lam, Jim McMahon, Isaac Lam
2017 International Biomass Conference & Expo,
Room 101 A, Minneapolis Convention Center, Minneapolis, Minnesota
April 12, 2017 (Wednesday), 1:30 pm - 3:00 pm
Theme: Track 1: Pellets & Densified Biomass, Tracing the Efforts to Bring Next Generation
Wood Pellets to Commercial Viability
Abstract:
The recent Paris climate conference (COP21) in December 2015 involved 195 countries to
adopt the a global climate agreement that sets out a global action plan to put the world on
track to avoid dangerous climate change by limiting global warming to well below 2°C. Part of
the potential solution could utilize the renewable biomass instead of using fossil fuel to
produce heat and power. There is growing interest in looking for alternative renewable fuel for
coal replacement or alternative fuel for co-firing around the globe.
Biocoal made from lignocellulosic biomass is one of the most promising candidates as their
physical and mechanical properties resemble traditional coal. Torrefaction is a slow pyrolysis
of lignocellulosic biomass at a temperature range between 250 - 300°C for several minutes in
an inert environment. The product, biocoal, has high calorific value between 25 – 30 MJ/kg,
excellent grindablity and moisture absorption resistance. All of these properties allow the
existing coal power plant/utilities/bioenergy users to replace coal as fuel or co-fire with coal
without any major plant modification. The process design and plant optimization of biocoal
production are critical to make production economically profitable and environmentally benign.
Our recent innovative work on process design and dynamic simulation of biocoal production
via torrefaction using our in-house built process model and CADSIM Plus software will be
presented. The emissions, exergy analysis and plant economics of biocoal production using a
direct heat torrefier will also be discussed. Our goal is to demonstrate the use of dynamic
process simulation modeling to track the economics and emissions of biocoal production
facilities. The dynamic simulation model is also capable of connecting to PLC’s of the existing
plant facilities via DDE link for real time plant performance optimization. The ultimate goal of
this work is to contribute to foster the growth of biomass and bioenergy sector.