Pre-treatment: torrefaction and more

Biomass can sometimes be an important energy source to create a more sustainable society. However, nature provides a large diversity of biomass with varying characteristics. In order to create highly efficient biomass-to-energy chains, torrefaction of biomass in combination with densification is a promising step to overcome logistic economics in large-scale sustainable energy solutions. Pellets or briquettes are lighter, drier and stable in storage as opposed to the biomass they are made of.

ECN has been a pioneer in the production of solid bioenergy carriers through torrefaction. Next to torrefaction, ECN also develops other technologies to convert a more broaden range of biomass into a solid energy carrier. Biomass that due to its composition is less suitable for direct utilization, though can be upgraded via ECNs Torwash technology to high quality fuels or via alternative pre-treatment technologies into a natural fertilizer bio-char.

Transfer of ECN knowledge and technology

Innovative research not often results in practical applications of new technologies. ECN wants to change that. We keep developing next-generation pre-treatment technologies and introducing them to the market by joining forces with the industry, for instance through demonstration projects, pilot installations and license agreements. ECN also regularly performs contract research on different biomass pre-treatment technologies for companies.

A company might turn to ECN to examine for instance whether an ECN technology is of interest to said company or to solve a specific research question. Alternatively a company might recognize the large (commercial) potential of a certain technology and is interested in the production of test batches, or the joint investment in or due diligence of the development in order to profit the most when the technology is introduced to the market.

Torrefaction
Torrefaction of biomass can be described as a mild form of pyrolysis at temperatures typically ranging between 200 and 320°C. During torrefaction, the biomass properties are changed to obtain a much better fuel quality for combustion and gasification applications. Torrefaction leads to a more energy dense product with no biological activity like rotting. For more information on ECNs torrefaction activities, the test facilities and the cooperation with Andritz Oy visit our torrefaction site.

Torwash
Torwash is a hydrothermal pre-treatment technology that combines torrefaction of biomass with washing. It leads to a fuel with improved properties and allows for a more broaden use of various biomass species. The integrated washing removes salts in the biomass, that can pose problems when burning the biomass in a boiler. The integrated torrefaction provides all the benefits of conventional torrefaction. For more information on ECNs Torwash activities visit our Torwash site.

Biochar
Biochar is charcoal produced from the thermal decomposition of biomass. The potential of bio-char is large: for soil improvement, efficient fertilizer use and carbon storage. For researchers and pioneers who perform pot experiments and field tests, ECN can produce biochar under well controlled conditions. We use dedicated slow pyrolysis and gasification techniques in order to maximize char production and to minimize the formation of tars. For more information visit the biochar site.