Method and apparatus for torrefaction of biomass with a cyclonic bed reactor

A system for pre-conditioning of biomass for subsequent torrefaction of the biomass comprising:

• at least one burner producing combustion gases;
• a feed screw unit having an inlet configured for receiving the biomass, an outlet configured for outletting the biomass, and a feed screw configured for displacing the biomass from the inlet to the outlet;
• a sleeve surrounding and in heat exchange relation with at least part of the feed screw unit;
• a pneumatic circuit receiving combustion gases from the at least one burner, the pneumatic circuit connected to an inlet of the sleeve for directing combustion gases therein to heat the biomass in the feed screw unit by indirect contact via the heat exchange relation, the pneumatic circuit having a pipe section extending from the outlet of the feed screw unit to a torrefaction reactor with combustion gases flowing from the outlet of the feed screw unit to the torrefacton reactor to convey the biomass and the combustion gases to the torrefaction reactor.