Article
Thermodynamics
Saartjie M. Gouws, Marion Carrier, John R. Bunt, Hein W. J. P. Neomagus
Summary: Accurate prediction of the yield and composition of pyrolysis products is crucial for the design and operation of pyrolysis reactors and gasifiers. A new semi-global kinetic reaction scheme was proposed in this study to predict the composition of pyrolytic volatiles from raw and torrefied biomass. The model showed satisfactory results in predicting product distribution trends for changes in lignocellulosic composition, heating rate, and pressure.
ENERGY CONVERSION AND MANAGEMENT
(2022)
Article
Energy & Fuels
L. Florentino-Madiedo, M. F. Vega, E. Diaz-Faes, C. Barriocanal
Summary: The pyrolysis of coal, torrefied sawdust, paraffin, and their blends was evaluated using various methods to determine activation energy, reaction mechanism, and thermodynamic parameters. The SPT/P blend showed significant synergy, changing the reaction mechanism and increasing the activation energy.
Review
Green & Sustainable Science & Technology
S. M. Gouws, Marion Carrier, J. R. Bunt, H. W. J. P. Neomagus
Summary: Thermochemical conversion via co-pyrolysis has the potential to efficiently convert biomass to bio-energy and bio-refinery products. Torrefied biomass prior to co-pyrolysis shows fundamental advantages such as decreased limitations and improved oil quality, making it a promising option for bioenergy production.
RENEWABLE & SUSTAINABLE ENERGY REVIEWS
(2021)
Article
Chemistry, Multidisciplinary
Kiyoshi Sakuragi, Maromu Otaka
Summary: CO2 emissions from coal power generation could be reduced by maximizing the amount of torrefied biomass in coal-TP blend. The study found that mill power consumption and differential pressure increased with higher TP content, leading to larger particle size of milled products. Moreover, the biomass-derived neutral sugar content and X/G ratio were higher in larger particles and inside the roller mill, affecting the milling performance.
Article
Engineering, Chemical
Carmen Branca, Colomba Di Blasi
Summary: Fixed-bed pyrolysis of torrefied spruce wood at 800K showed char yields between 27-57 wt% (compared to 23 wt% for untreated wood), depending on pre-treatment temperatures and holding times. The thermogravimetric analysis revealed a low-temperature zone of slow rates followed by a high-rate zone with a well-defined peak. The torrefaction severity increased the temperature range of oxidative devolatilization and slowed down the oxidation rates, accompanied by changes in activation energies.
Article
Chemistry, Analytical
Saartjie M. Gouws, Marion Carrier, John R. Bunt, Hein W. J. P. Neomagus
Summary: The co-utilization of torrefied biomass and coal in thermochemical conversion technologies results in the production of high quality oil products through synergistic reactions, which are controlled by pressure to indirectly influence reaction rates. The removal of hemicellulose during torrefaction enhances hydrogen transfer potential and suppresses dehydration and condensation reactions during co-pyrolysis, leading to substantial changes in product distribution.
JOURNAL OF ANALYTICAL AND APPLIED PYROLYSIS
(2022)
Article
Biotechnology & Applied Microbiology
Chuanshuai Chen, Boyu Qu, Wenxiang Wang, Weijian Wang, Guozhao Ji, Aimin Li
Summary: Torrefaction is an effective pretreatment process for biomass, which can enhance energy density and reduce moisture and oxygen contents. The study showed that increasing torrefaction temperature decreased hemicellulose and cellulose contents, while the activation energy increased with torrefaction temperature.
ENVIRONMENTAL TECHNOLOGY & INNOVATION
(2021)
Article
Thermodynamics
Heeyoon Kim, Seunghan Yu, Howon Ra, Sungmin Yoon, Changkook Ryu
Summary: A novel kinetic model was proposed in this study to describe the pyrolysis kinetics of torrefied biomass, which successfully predicted the pyrolysis kinetics of torrefied biomass at different severities. This model incorporated three structural changes caused by torrefaction and demonstrated high prediction accuracy.
Article
Thermodynamics
Shengxiong Huang, Can Lei, Jie Qin, Cheng Yi, Tao Chen, Lingling Yao, Bo Li, Yujiao Wen, Zhi Zhou, Mao Xia
Summary: Bio-energy is projected to become a significant energy source in the future, but the drawbacks of biomass hinder its energy utilization. This study investigates the properties, kinetics, and distribution of pyrolytic products of oxidative torrefied camellia shell (CS), demonstrating that oxidative torrefaction can enhance the energy performance of CS and bring about changes in its structure, surface functional groups, and pyrolysis activation energy. Moreover, oxidative torrefaction improves the composition of phenolic compounds in the pyrolytic products. This research provides valuable insights for the energy utilization of CS.
Article
Engineering, Chemical
Wei Wang, Romain Lemaire, Ammar Bensakhria, Denis Luart
Summary: The co-pyrolysis of coal and biomass is a promising method to produce fuels and chemicals while reducing CO2 emissions. This study investigates the interactions and kinetics of co-pyrolysis of a bituminous coal and poplar wood. The results show that adding wood to coal decreases the activation energy and suggests the presence of synergistic effects.
CHINESE JOURNAL OF CHEMICAL ENGINEERING
(2023)
Article
Agricultural Engineering
Rishikesh Kumar Singh, Arnab Sarkar
Summary: The present study optimizes the process parameters of torrefied pigeon pea stalk pyrolysis to maximize bio-oil yield using response surface methodology (RSM). Pyrolysis of torrefied biomass results in significant improvements in calorific value (29-34% increase), water content (29-33% decrease), and oxygen content (9-12% decrease) compared to raw biomass. The study also shows that torrefaction of raw biomass enhances hydrodeoxygenation (HDO) effectiveness, enabling desired properties to be achieved in a single stage HDO, leading to cost reduction. The bio-char from torrefied biomass exhibits superior fuel characteristics, lower particulate emission, and better compatibility with bituminous coal in co-combustion.
INDUSTRIAL CROPS AND PRODUCTS
(2023)
Article
Chemistry, Applied
Junfang Ma, Jiaxun Liu, Xiumin Jiang, Jun Shen
Summary: The paper introduces an improved parallel reaction model that enhances the accuracy and rationality of predicting coal pyrolysis by optimizing the parameters of sub-reactions.
FUEL PROCESSING TECHNOLOGY
(2021)
Article
Energy & Fuels
R. R. Dirgarini J. N. Subagyono, Polonius Dosi Miten, Ruth Junita Sinaga, Ardiana Wijayanti, Ying Qi, Marc Marshall, Ari Susandy Sanjaya, Alan L. Chaffee
Summary: In this study, the fast-growing wood Macaranga gigantea was pyrolyzed and the pyrolysis products were characterized and their formation kinetics were studied. The results showed that increasing the pyrolysis temperature and time increased the yield of liquid and gas products and the concentration of cellulose, hemicellulose, and lignin-derived compounds, but decreased the biochar yield. The pyrolysis products mainly contained phenolic compounds and their derivatives, eugenols, furans, aldehydes, and ketones. The thermal decomposition of M. gigantea required temperatures higher than 300 degrees C to optimize thermal decomposition and carbonization of lignin, cellulose, and hemicellulose. The pyrolysis kinetics of M. gigantea wood occurred through four main stages.
Article
Green & Sustainable Science & Technology
Ahmad Nawaz, Pradeep Kumar
Summary: This study aims to understand the pyrolysis kinetic behavior of biomass after hydrothermal carbonization and torrefaction, with enhanced fuel properties. Various characterization techniques were used to investigate the reaction mechanisms of pyrolysis.
Article
Polymer Science
Jaka Gasper Pecnik, Mariem Zouari, Matthew Schwarzkopf, David B. Devallance
Summary: The torrefaction process has positive effects on the production of wood plastic composites. The torrefaction temperature and weight percentage significantly influence the mechanical and water absorption properties of the composites.
Article
Energy & Fuels
Yingna Du, Chen Huang, Wei Jiang, Qiangwei Yan, Yongfei Li, Gang Chen
Summary: In this study, anionic surfactants modified hydrotalcite was used as a flow improver for crude oil under low-temperature conditions. The modified hydrotalcite showed a significant viscosity reduction effect on crude oil. The mechanism of the modified hydrotalcite on viscosity and pour point of crude oil was explored through characterization and analysis of the modified hydrotalcite and oil samples.
Article
Energy & Fuels
Mohammad Saeid Rostami, Mohammad Mehdi Khodaei
Summary: In this study, a hybrid structure, MIL-53(Al)@MWCNT, was synthesized by combining MIL-53(Al) particles and -COOH functionalized multi-walled carbon nanotube (MWCNT). The hybrid structure was then embedded in a polyethersulfone (PES) polymer matrix to prepare a mixed matrix membrane (MMM) for CO2/CH4 and CO2/N2 separation. The addition of MWCNTs prevented MIL-53(Al) aggregation, improved membrane mechanical properties, and enhanced gas separation efficiency.
Article
Energy & Fuels
Yunlong Li, Desheng Huang, Xiaomeng Dong, Daoyong Yang
Summary: This study develops theoretical and experimental techniques to determine the phase behavior and physical properties of DME/flue gas/water/heavy oil systems. Eight constant composition expansion (CCE) tests are conducted to obtain new experimental data. A thermodynamic model is used to accurately predict saturation pressure and swelling factors, as well as the phase boundaries of N2/heavy oil systems and DME/CO2/heavy oil systems, with high accuracy.
Article
Energy & Fuels
Morteza Afkhamipour, Ebad Seifi, Arash Esmaeili, Mohammad Shamsi, Tohid N. Borhani
Summary: Non-conventional amines are being researched worldwide to overcome the limitations of traditional amines like MEA and MDEA. Adequate process and thermodynamic models are crucial for understanding the applicability and performance of these amines in CO2 absorption, but studies on process modeling for these amines are limited. This study used rate-based modeling and Deshmukh-Mather method to model CO2 absorption by DETA solution in a packed column, validated the model with experimental data, and conducted a sensitivity analysis of mass transfer correlations. The study also compared the CO2 absorption efficiency of DETA solution with an ionic solvent [bmim]-[PF6] and highlighted the importance of finding optimum operational parameters for maximum absorption efficiency.
Article
Energy & Fuels
Arastoo Abdi, Mohamad Awarke, M. Reza Malayeri, Masoud Riazi
Summary: The utilization of smart water in EOR operations has gained attention, but more research is needed to understand the complex mechanisms involved. This study investigated the interfacial tension between smart water and crude oil, considering factors such as salt, pH, asphaltene type, and aged smart water. The results revealed that the hydration of ions in smart water plays a key role in its efficacy, with acidic and basic asphaltene acting as intrinsic surfactants. The pH also influenced the interfacial tension, and the aged smart water's interaction with crude oil depended on asphaltene type, salt, and salinity.
Article
Energy & Fuels
Dongao Zhu, Kun Zhu, Lixian Xu, Haiyan Huang, Jing He, Wenshuai Zhu, Huaming Li, Wei Jiang
Summary: In this study, cobalt-based metal-organic frameworks (Co-based MOFs) were used as supports and co-catalysts to confine the NHPI catalyst, solving the leaching issue. The NHPI@Co-MOF with carboxyl groups exhibited stronger acidity and facilitated the generation of active oxygen radicals O2•, resulting in enhanced catalytic activity. This research provides valuable insights into the selection of suitable organic linkers and broadens the research horizon of MOF hybrids in efficient oxidative desulfurization (ODS) applications.
Article
Energy & Fuels
Edwin G. Hoyos, Gloria Amo-Duodu, U. Gulsum Kiral, Laura Vargas-Estrada, Raquel Lebrero, Rail Munoz
Summary: This study investigated the impact of carbon-coated zero-valent nanoparticle concentration on photosynthetic biogas upgrading. The addition of nanoparticles significantly increased microalgae productivity and enhanced nitrogen and phosphorus assimilation. The presence of nanoparticles also improved the quality of biomethane produced.
Article
Energy & Fuels
Yao Xiao, Asma Leghari, Linfeng Liu, Fangchao Yu, Ming Gao, Lu Ding, Yu Yang, Xueli Chen, Xiaoyu Yan, Fuchen Wang
Summary: Iron is added as a flocculant in wastewater treatment and the hydrothermal carbonization (HTC) of sludge produces wastewater containing Fe. This study investigates the effect of aqueous phase (AP) recycling on hydrochar properties, iron evolution and environmental assessment during HTC of sludge. The results show that AP recycling process improves the dewatering performance of hydrochar and facilitates the recovery of Fe from the liquid phase.
Article
Energy & Fuels
He Liang, Tao Wang, Zhenmin Luo, Jianliang Yu, Weizhai Yi, Fangming Cheng, Jingyu Zhao, Xingqing Yan, Jun Deng, Jihao Shi
Summary: This study investigated the influence of inhibitors (carbon dioxide, nitrogen, and heptafluoropropane) on the lower flammability limit of hydrogen and determined the critical inhibitory concentration needed for complete suppression. The impact of inhibitors on explosive characteristics was evaluated, and the inhibitory mechanism was analyzed with chemical kinetics. The results showed that with the increase of inhibitor quantity, the lower flammability limit of hydrogen also increased. The research findings can contribute to the safe utilization of hydrogen energy.
Article
Energy & Fuels
Zonghui Liu, Zhongze Zhang, Yali Zhou, Ziling Wang, Mingyang Du, Zhe Wen, Bing Yan, Qingxiang Ma, Na Liu, Bing Xue
Summary: In this study, high-performance solid catalysts based on phosphotungstic acid (HPW) supported on Zr-SBA-15 were synthesized and evaluated for the one-pot conversion of furfural (FUR) to γ-valerolactone (GVL). The catalysts were characterized using various techniques, and the ratio of HPW and Zr was found to significantly affect the selectivity of GVL. The HPW/Zr-SBA-15 (2-4-15) catalyst exhibited the highest GVL yield (83%) under optimized reaction conditions, and it was determined that a balance between Bronsted acid sites (BAS) and Lewis acid sites (LAS) was crucial for achieving higher catalytic performance. The reaction parameters and catalyst stability were also investigated.
Article
Energy & Fuels
Michael Stoehr, Stephan Ruoff, Bastian Rauch, Wolfgang Meier, Patrick Le Clercq
Summary: As part of the global energy transition, an experimental study was conducted to understand the effects of different fuel properties on droplet vaporization for various conventional and alternative fuels. The study utilized a flow channel to measure the evolution of droplet diameters over time and distance. The results revealed the temperature-dependent effects of physical properties, such as boiling point, liquid density, and enthalpy of vaporization, and showed the complex interactions of preferential vaporization and temperature-dependent influences of physical properties for multi-component fuels.
Article
Energy & Fuels
Yuan Zhuang, Ruikang Wu, Xinyan Wang, Rui Zhai, Changyong Gao
Summary: Through experimental validation and optimization of the chemical kinetic model, it was found that methanol can accelerate the oxidation reaction of ammonia, and methanol can be rapidly oxidized at high concentration. HO2 was found to generate a significant amount of OH radicals, facilitating the oxidation of methanol and ammonia. Rating: 7.5/10.
Article
Energy & Fuels
Radwan M. EL-Zohairy, Ahmed S. Attia, A. S. Huzayyin, Ahmed I. EL-Seesy
Summary: This paper presents a lab-scale experimental study on the impact of diethyl ether (DEE) as an additive to waste cooking oil biodiesel with Jet A-1 on combustion and emission features of a swirl-stabilized premixed flame. The addition of DEE to biodiesel significantly affects the flame temperature distribution and emissions. The W20D20 blend of DEE, biodiesel, and Jet A-1 shows similar flame temperature distribution to Jet A-1 and significantly reduces UHC, CO, and NOx emissions compared to Jet A-1.
Article
Energy & Fuels
Jiang Bian, Ziyuan Zhao, Yang Liu, Ran Cheng, Xuerui Zang, Xuewen Cao
Summary: This study presents a novel method for ammonia separation using supersonic flow and develops a mathematical model to investigate the condensation phenomenon. The results demonstrate that the L-P nucleation model accurately characterizes the nucleation process of ammonia at low temperatures. Numerical simulations also show that increasing pressure and concentration can enhance ammonia condensation efficiency.
Article
Energy & Fuels
Shiyuan Pan, Xiaodan Shi, Beibei Dong, Jan Skvaril, Haoran Zhang, Yongtu Liang, Hailong Li
Summary: Integrating CO2 capture with biomass-fired combined heat and power (bio-CHP) plants is a promising method for achieving negative emissions. This study develops a reliable data-driven model based on the Transformer architecture to predict the flowrate and CO2 concentration of flue gas in real time. The model validation shows high prediction accuracy, and the potential impact of meteorological parameters on model accuracy is assessed. The results demonstrate that the Transformer model outperforms other models and using near-infrared spectral data as input features improves the prediction accuracy.