Pollutants from the combustion of solid biomass fuels

This review considers the pollutants formed by the combustion of solid biomass fuels. The availability and potential use of solid biofuels is first discussed. This is followed by the methods used for characterisation of biomass and their classification. The various steps in the combustion mechanisms are given together with a compilation of the kinetic data. The chemical mechanisms for the formation of the pollutants: NOx, smoke and unburned hydrocarbons, SOx, Cl compounds, and particulate metal aerosols are outlined. Examples are given of emission levels of NOx and particulates from combustion in fixed bed combustion, fluidised bed combustion and pulverised biomass combustion and co-firing. Modelling methods for pollutants are outlined. The consequential issues arising from the wide scale use of biomass and future trends are then discussed.     

Experimental investigation on the kinetics of biomass combustion in vertical tube reactor

The paper presents results of experimental investigation performed in order to examine kinetics of loose biomass combustion in vertical tube reactor. The investigation conducted included continuous measurement of the fuel mass loss rate, with two biomass combustion models (piston and batch model) proposed, each relying on appropriate theoretical postulates. Results obtained indicated that piston combustion model had shown better agreement between theoretical and experimental data and was therefore used to further analyse effects of excess-air on the combustion kinetics, as well as associated effects of flue gas recirculation. Recirculation of cold flue gases is used to lower peak temperature inside the furnace, as well as to reduce a zone where ash melting problems may potentially occur. During the investigation performed, effects of flue gas recirculation on the combustion process were simulated by simultaneously injecting nitrogen and air flows into the furnace. This was deemed appropriate to simulate real-life conditions prevailing in the furnace with gas recirculation. Experiments were conducted on specially designed and constructed apparatus that enabled kinetic parameters to be determined for the combustion of different types of biomass. Results obtained have indicated that quantity of air affects kinetics of biomass combustion and that increased recirculation leads to reduced biomass reaction rate. The same conclusion was reached based on the results of experiments conducted with two different types of agro-biomass, namely wheat straw and corn stalks, which are most commonly used for energy generation. Results achieved are deemed particularly important when it comes to design of new plants that utilize cigarette type combustion system, but also for development of numerical models used to simulate combustion of biomass bales, with special emphasis placed on the impact of recirculation gases on the combustion kinetics.     

Quantification of the residual biomass obtained from pruning of trees in Mediterranean olive groves

This research quantified the available residual biomass obtained from pruning olive trees. The additional biomass quantified could be used as a source of energy or as raw material for the wood industry and would provide additional income for fruit producers and also a more sustainable system. Several factors were analyzed: Variety, aim of the pruning, age of the plants, size of the plantation, crop yield and irrigation. Regression models were also calculated to predict the weight of dry biomass obtained per tree and tonnes of dry biomass obtained per hectare according to the significant factors. These equations could implement logistic planning as the Borvemar model, which defines a logistics network for supplying bio-energy systems. Olive tree varieties were classified into two groups for annual pruning: high residual biomass productivity (average yield 10.5 kg dry biomass tree⁻¹) and low productivity (average yield 3.5 kg dry biomass tree⁻¹). Some varieties are in transition between the two groups. There are no differences in biennial pruning, reaching an average residual biomass of 33 kg tree⁻¹. This means that in Mediterranean areas the residual biomass from olive pruning reaches an average 1.31 t ha⁻¹ in annual pruning and 3.02 t ha⁻¹ in biennial pruning.     

Experimental study on oxygen-enriched combustion of biomass micro fuel

The oxygen-enriched combustion of biomass micro fuel (BMF) was carried out respectively in the thermogravimetric analyzer and cyclone furnace to evaluate the effects of oxygen concentration on combustion performance. The experimental results show that with the increasing oxygen concentration, the volatile releasing temperature, ignition temperature and burnout temperature were decreasing. Oxygen-enriched atmosphere subtracts burning time and improves combustion activity of biomass micro fuel. Oxygen-enriched atmosphere improves the combustion temperature of BMF in cyclone furnace; while the improvement is weaken as oxygen concentration is above 40%.     

Air and oxy-fuel combustion kinetics of low rank lignites

The air and oxy-fuel combustion processes of two low-grade lignite coals were investigated by thermogravimetric analysis (TGA) method. Coals were provided from two different coal mines in the Aegean region of Turkey. Oxy-fuel combustion experiments were carried out with three different gas mixtures of 21% O₂–79% CO₂; 40% O₂–60% CO₂ and 50% O₂–50% CO₂ at 950 °C and heating rates of 10 °C/min, 20 °C/min and 40 °C/min. The kinetics of the oxy-fuel combustion of coals were studied by using four different methods namely, Coats-Redfern (model-fitting method), Friedman (FR), Flynn–Wall–Ozawa's (FWO) and Kissinger–Akahira–Sunose's (KAS) methods. The apparent activation energies of combustion process calculated by FWO method are slightly but systematically higher than that calculated by the KAS and FR methods for the oxy-fuel atmospheres. Combustion behavior of both coals in the oxy-fuel combustion environment could vary significantly, likely due to their characteristics such ash and volatile matter contents.     

The potential use of torrefied Nigerian biomass for combustion applications

Many countries are seeking to expand their use of solid biomass for electricity and heat generation. Nigeria, too, is exploring its own potential energy crops and indigenous residues. The use of this biomass for energy production is, however, limited by factors such as high moisture content, low bulk and low energy density. This study examines the torrefaction and combustion properties of four readily available Nigerian woody biomass, Gmelina arborea, Terminalia superba, Nauclea diderrichii, Lophira alata and a residue, palm kernel expeller (PKE). They are considered for their suitability for use in large scale power stations, especially as pulverized fuels.The Fuels were torrefied at 270 and 290 °C for either 30 or 60 min, and assessed for pyrolysis and combustion characteristics in comparison to their untreated counterparts. Energy densities of the woods improved from 19.2 to 21.2 MJ/kg for the raw fuels to 21.5–24.6 MJ/kg for the torrefied fuels. The milling behaviour of the torrefied fuels improved upon torrefaction, especially for Nauclea; however, torrefaction had very little effect on the grindability of PKE. The apparent first order kinetics for pyrolysis were determined by thermogravimetric analysis (TGA). After torrefaction, the fuels become less reactive; Nauclea and Gmelina were the most reactive fuels, whilst PKE was the least reactive. The combustion behavior of selected fuels was visually examined in a methane air flame. This showed that torrefaction resulted in shorter ignition delay, shorter duration of volatile combustion and longer duration of char burn out.     

Simulation of combustion process of a single biomass pellet based on heterogeneous-dimension discretization

Abstract

In this paper, one-dimensional intra-pellet solid model combined with multi-dimensional extra-pellet environment model were used to simulate the combustion processes of a biomass pellet in a furnace. The combustion processes of the solid phase were calculated using a self-written MATLAB code, and the processes of the extra-pellet fluid environment were calculated using the commercial CFD code. The two codes were coupled together by exchanging the data of source terms and boundary conditions in real-time. Experiments on combustion of a single corn-stover pellet in a tube furnace were implemented to validate the calculation method and acceptable agreements were obtained, and the main errors are within 10%. The heterogeneous-dimension discretization method made the updating and debugging of the physical and chemical mechanism of the solid phase very easy. Compared with constant environment conditions, the average error of coupling calculation method is decreased by about 5%. The calculation method can be extended to deal with many other problems.     

Analysis of olive grove residual biomass potential for electric and thermal energy generation in Andalusia (Spain)

As fossil fuels are not only a limited resource, but also contribute to global warming, a transition towards a more sustainable energy supply is urgently needed. Therefore, today's environmental policies are largely devoted to fostering the development and implementation of renewable energy technologies. One important aspect of this transition is the increased use of biomass to generate renewable energy. Agricultural residues are produced in huge amounts worldwide, and most of this residue is composed of biomass that can be used for energy generation. Consequently, converting this residue into energy can increase the value of waste materials and reduce the environmental impact of waste disposal. This paper analyses the situation of biomass energy resources in Andalusia, an autonomous community in the south of Spain. More specifically, biomass is the renewable source which most contributes to Andalusian energy infrastructure. The residual biomass produced in the olive sector is the result of the large quantity of olive groves and olive oil manufacturers that generate byproducts with a potentially high energy content. The generation of agricultural and industrial residues from the olive sector produced in Andalusia is an important source of different types of residual biomass that are suitable for thermal and electric energy since they reduce the negative environmental effects of emissions from fossil fuels, such as the production of carbon dioxide.     

Thermogravimetric analysis of microalgae combustion under different oxygen supply concentrations

Recently, studies of microalgae in China have increased a lot because of their obvious advantages over other biological fuels. In this paper, the combustion behavior of Chlorella vulgaris (a genus of unicellular green microalgae) was investigated in a thermogravimetric analyzer (TGA) from room temperature to 800 °C in O₂/N₂ atmospheres. The effects of different oxygen concentrations (20, 50, 60, 80 vol.%) and different heating rates (10, 20 and 40 °C min⁻¹) on the combustion processes of C. vulgaris had been studied. The results indicated that the combustion processes of C. vulgaris could be divided into three stages. The oxygen concentrations and heating rates had important effects on the main combustion processes of C. vulgaris. The iso-conversional method involving Flynn–Wall–Ozawa (FWO) and the Kissinger–Akahira–Sunose (KAS) methods were used for the kinetic analysis of the main combustion process. The results indicated that, when the oxygen concentration varied from 20 to 80 vol.%, the value of activation energy increased respectively from 134.03 to 241.04 kJ mol⁻¹ by using FWO method and from 134.53 to 242.33 kJ mol⁻¹ by KAS method. Moreover, the optimal oxygen concentration for C. vulgaris combustion was 25–35 vol.%_.     

Effect of cellulose and lignin content on pyrolysis and combustion characteristics for several types of biomass

Fundamental pyrolysis and combustion behaviors for several types of biomass are tested by a thermo-gravimetric analyzer. The main compositions of cellulose and lignin contents for several types of biomass are analyzed chemically. Based on the main composition results obtained, the experimental results for the actual biomass samples are compared with those for the simulated biomass, which is made of the mixture of the cellulose with lignin chemical. The morphological changes before and after the reactions are also observed by a scanning electron microscope. The main compositions in the biomass consisted of cellulose and lignin. The cellulose content was more than lignin for the biomass samples selected in this study. The reaction for the actual biomass samples proceeded with the two stages. The first and second stage corresponded to devolatilization and char combustion during combustion, respectively. The first stage showed rapid mass decrease caused by cellulose decomposition. At the second stage, lignin decomposed for pyrolysis and its char burned for combustion. For the biomass with higher cellulose content, the pyrolysis rate became faster. While, the biomass with higher lignin content gave slower pyrolysis rate. The cellulose and lignin content in the biomasses was one of the important parameters to evaluate the pyrolysis characteristics. The combustion characteristics for the actual biomass depends on the char morphology produced.     

Pyrolysis of biomass in a semi-industrial scale reactor: Study of the fuel-nitrogen oxidation during combustion of volatiles

In this work, an experimental study of the NOx-fuel formation, carried out on a semi-industrial scale reactor during combustion of volatiles of the pyrolysis, is performed. Two different biomasses with different nitrogen contents such as a mixture of organic sludge and wood were tested. Results show that the temperature of pyrolysis does not obviously affect the production of NOx-fuel because of the most active precursors (NH₃ and HCN) are already released at low temperatures (400 °C). In the case of sludge mixture, the combustion conditions play the discriminating role in the production of NOx-fuel: the higher the excess air ratio the larger the production of nitrogen oxides from N-fuel.     

Fundamentals, kinetics and endothermicity of the biomass pyrolysis reaction

The paper reviews the pyrolysis of biomass constituents and possible secondary reactions. Biomass pyrolysis yields mostly liquid and solid fuel, easy to store and transport.Relevant working conditions for experiments and large-scale operation are: (i) biomass particles < 200 μm, (ii) a particle heating rate of at least about 80 K min⁻¹ and (iii) a reactor environment where the internal resistance to heat penetration is smaller than the external resistance to heat transfer (Biot-number, Bi < 1).The circumstances of TGA and DSC experiments meet these requirements and fully determine the reaction kinetics and endothermicity of the pyrolysis reaction. The reaction rate constant and the heat of reaction are essential parameters in the design of a pyrolysis reactor. For most of the biomass species tested, the first order reaction rate constant is large and >0.5 s⁻¹. The heat of reaction ranges from 207 to 434 kJ kg⁻¹. All results tie in with literature data, although the reader is cautioned in using literature data since experiments were not always performed under relevant testing conditions.     

Experimental investigation of ash behavior and emissions during combustion of Bosnian coal and biomass

This paper presents results of experimental research into the ash behavior of different Bosnian coal types and biomass fired in an electrically heated entrained pulverized fuel flow experimental reactor. The results are derived from a series of tests performed under a range of temperature and air conditions for the fuel test matrix. In essence, the experimental reactor comprises a 3 m length alumina–silicate ceramic tube, where combustion takes place, surrounded by SiC stick-type electric heaters and three-layer insulation. The temperature of the reaction zone is controlled by a programmable logic controller (PLC) with thyristor units for each of the heating zones, allowing the process temperature to be varied at will across the range from ambient to 1560 °C.     

Kinetics of devolatilization and oxidation of a pulverized biomass in an entrained flow reactor under realistic combustion conditions

In this paper the results of a complete set of devolatilization and combustion experiments performed with pulverized (∼500 μm) biomass in an entrained flow reactor under realistic combustion conditions are presented. The data obtained are used to derive the kinetic parameters that best fit the observed behaviors, according to a simple model of particle combustion (one-step devolatilization, apparent oxidation kinetics, thermally thin particles). The model is found to adequately reproduce the experimental trends regarding both volatile release and char oxidation rates for the range of particle sizes and combustion conditions explored. The experimental and numerical procedures, similar to those recently proposed for the combustion of pulverized coal [J. Ballester, S. Jiménez, Combust. Flame 142 (2005) 210-222], have been designed to derive the parameters required for the analysis of biomass combustion in practical pulverized fuel configurations and allow a reliable characterization of any finely pulverized biomass. Additionally, the results of a limited study on the release rate of nitrogen from the biomass particle along combustion are shown.     

A new method for simulating the combustion of a large biomass particle—A combination of a volume reaction model and front reaction approximation

Combining a volume reaction model and front reaction approximation is proposed to simulate the combustion of a large biomass particle. Two intraparticle processes—drying and char oxidation—are simplified as front reaction because they are transport controlled. The other intraparticle process—pyrolysis—is described as the volume reaction because it is controlled by both heat transfer and kinetics. A new numerical method based on the basic mechanism of the process is applied to mitigate oscillations of the solution of the front reactions. To compare the calculation results with the experimental results presented in the literature, combustion of cubic wood particles between 5 and 25 mm is chosen to test the new method. Drying, pyrolysis, char oxidation, vapor condensation, shrinkage of the process, heat transfer via conduction, diffusion, convection, radiation and mass transfer via diffusion, and convection inside particle are taken into account. Finite volumes attached to solid materials are used to discretize the domain and explicit method with variable time step is used to calculate the process. A program was written and the calculation showed that the conversion of a particle is almost independent of computational mesh from 10 cells on. However there is significant instability in the mass loss rate curve when the number of cells is less than 20. Predictions for different particle sizes, furnace temperatures and moisture contents were compared with measurements and they agree reasonably well. The results highlight the significance of pyrolysis kinetics on prediction. Thus, the front reaction model of pyrolysis assuming a constant reaction temperature of 773 K is sometimes inadequate. The proposed method also showed that moisture content and pyrolysis reactivity significantly affect the thickness of devolatilizing fuel.     

Physical characterisation and chemical composition of densified biomass fuels with regard to their combustion behaviour

With respect to the use of densified biomass fuels in fully automatic heating systems for the residential sector a high quality of these fuels is required. Several European countries already have implemented standards for such fuels. In other countries such standards are in preparation or planned. Furthermore, in some countries also standards from associations are existing (e.g. from the Austrian Pellets Association). In addition to these national standards, European standards for solid biomass fuels are under development. For producers of densified biomass fuels, especially for pellet producers, it is therefore very important to produce high-quality fuels keeping the limiting values of the standards addressed. However, in this context it has to be considered that as a high fuel quality as is necessary for the combustion of densified biomass fuels in automatic small-scale furnaces is not necessary if these fuels are used in larger industrial furnaces as they are equipped with more sophisticated flue gas cleaning, combustion and process control systems. Two pellet qualities, one for industrial and one for small-scale consumers seem to be more meaningful.

Within the framework of the EU-ALTENER-project “An Integrated European Market for Densified Biomass Fuels (INDEBIF)” a questionnaire survey of European producers of densified biomass fuels was performed. In this connection the possibility was offered to the producers to participate in an analysis programme with their fuels. An overview was obtained of the qualities of densified biomass fuels offered in the European market, covering pellets and briquettes from Austria, Italy, Sweden, Spain, Norway and the Czech Republic.

The parameters analysed were the dimensions of the fuels, the bulk and the particle density, the water and the ash content, the gross and the net calorific value, the abrasion, the content of starch (as an indication for the use of biological binding agents), the concentrations of C, H, N, S, Cl, K as well as of the heavy metals Cd, Pb, Zn, Cr, Cu, As and Hg. These parameters have been chosen following the Austrian, German, Swiss and Swedish standards for densified biomass fuels.

The results showed that a majority of the participating producers produce fuels of high quality. However, wood pellets of some producers show a high abrasion, one of the most important quality parameters for pellets. An increased amount of fines often causes failures in the feeding systems used in the residential heating sector. In order to decrease abrasion, the addition of small amounts of biological binding agents (e.g. maize or rye) is possible. This kind of additive is most common in Austria.

Moreover, some producers obviously use not only chemically untreated raw materials or additives, which increase the content of pollutants. Such fuels cause problems regarding emissions, deposit formation and corrosion. Emission problems are expected due to increased contents of N, Cl, S as well as heavy metals. Increased concentrations of heavy metals additionally contaminate the ash, increased Cl concentrations raise the risk of corrosion. Moreover, an increased content of K has a negative effect on the ash melting behaviour and causes higher aerosol formation, which enhances deposit formation and particulate emissions.     

Modification of commercial briquetting machine to produce 35 mm diameter briquettes suitable for gasification and combustion

This paper describes an experience on producing 35 mm dia briquettes with a modified commercial briquetting machine and the results of studies on the combustion and gasification behavior of briquettes. Study reveals that at 12% (w.b.) moisture content of groundnut shell powder (1180–150 μm), good quality briquettes can be made, but it reduces the production rate and increases the power requirement. Combustion as well as gasification studies revealed that biomass briquettes of 35 mm diameter do not crumble or disintegrate during the conversion process, therefore these are suitable as feedstock for gasifiers.     

Characterization of pellets from mixing olive pomace and olive tree pruning

Olive pomace is an interesting agro-industrial byproduct that can be a potential raw material for densified biomass products. At first, 2-phase (2 PH) and 3-phase (3 PH) olive pomace pellets were analyzed in order to evaluate their quality in terms of the main parameters required by the European Standard EN 17225-6.The characterization of the pure pellets has shown important problems because of out of limits values of nitrogen, durability and copper in the two olive pomace. To improve the properties of olive pomace pellets, the possibility of manufacturing pellets by mixing olive pomace and olive tree pruning (PR) was investigated.Several blends at different weight ratios were analyzed in order to verify the effect of mixing on the pellet properties. It can be concluded that the physical properties of all mixtures are in compliance with the requirements of the standard.In particular, two best blends in terms of physical, chemical and mechanical characteristics were identified as becoming potential fuel for combustion and gasification applications: 75PR252 PH (75% pruning and 25% 2-phase pomace) and 50PR503 PH (50% pruning and 50% 3-phase pomace).     

Dissolution kinetics of carbon in aluminum droplet combustion: Implications for aluminized solid propellants

An analytical model describing the kinetics of carbon dissolution in burning aluminum droplets has been developed in order to simulate its effects under solid rocket motor conditions. A carbon dissolution rate (k) was introduced in different droplet regression laws and depending on the heterogeneous kinetics between the Al surface and the surrounding gases. The model was validated using previous experiments performed by the authors on millimeter-sized Al droplets burning in several CO₂-containing atmospheres at atmospheric pressure (P=1 atm). It has been shown that the carbon dissolution is affected by the presence of hydrogen due to competition between CO and H₂ chemisorption. The model was then applied to aluminized propellants (AP/HTPB) at high pressures (P=60 atm) and high temperatures (T=3000 and 3500 K), as well as at various burning rates and adsorption conditions. Though the accuracy of the extrapolation results needs further improvement, it has been shown that the carbon dissolution process should not be neglected in order to achieve global understanding of the combustion of Al particles, particularly agglomerates.