ECN’s torrefaction technology has proven itself in an endurance test

The results of the test bring us much closer to commercialisation and are proof of success for our customers.

Mid-March, the unit Biomass, Coal & Environmental Research (BCE) successfully conducted a torrefaction endurance test. The test ran continuously stable in the pilot plant PATRIG for a period of no less than 100 hours. BCE and the unit Engineering and Services (E&S) put much joint effort in adjustments to the PATRIG pilot plant to make this test a success. Jan Willem Erisman is very happy and enthusiastic about the results: “They bring us much closer to commercialisation and are proof of success for our customers!”
The purpose of the test was to demonstrate that the torrefaction technology, which was developed by ECN, is also successful in longer endurance tests. A total amount of 3.5 tons of torrefied material was produced during the test. The fuel consisted mainly of poplar wood (largest part of the test) and a mixture of hardwood. The completion of this successful 100-hour test was celebrated with cakes. Hats off for the extraordinary work of the units BCE and E&S!

Solid biofuel with a high energy density
Torrefaction is a technique in which biomass is heated in the absence of oxygen. By heating biomass up to 200 to 300°C its characteristics change in such as way that the biomass can be easily grinded, compressed and stored. Compression of the material results in an attractive, standardised solid biofuel with a high energy density. Preparations for a demonstration plant and the marketing of the technology are in full swing. Erisman: “We are currently engaged in discussions with various large parties that are interested in the global rollout of this technology.”

PATRIG
The endurance test was conducted with the torrefaction pilot plant PATRIG. This PATRIG is capable of converting 50 kg of biomass per hour in a continuous process. During the torrefaction process gases are released. This mixture of CO, hydrocarbons, CO₂ and vapour is incinerated in an afterburner. The energy produced during the incineration of this gas mixture is used for drying the biomass and to supply the torrefaction process with energy. This way the process can be carried out with high efficiency.

Contact
Jaap Kiel
Tel.: +31 (0) 22 456 4590
E-mail: Jaap Kiel