Process for producing solid biomass fuel
OwnerHong Mei Baiinventor
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Abstract
The present invention relates to a process for producing a solid biomass fuel, as well as a solid biomass fuel produced by said process. Additionally, the present invention relates to a combustion process comprising combusting said solid biomass fuel so as to produce energy.
Claims58
A process for producing a solid biomass fuel, wherein the process comprises the following steps:
- (i) providing one or more sources of biomass with an average particle diameter (D50) of from 30,000 μm to 60,000 μm;
- (ii) pulverising the one or more sources of biomass to provide a pulverised biomass powder with an average particle diameter (D50) of from 1000 μm to 10,000 μm;
- (iii) drying the pulverised biomass powder so as to provide a dried pulverised biomass powder;
- (iv) molding the dried pulverised biomass powder so as to provide a molded biomass product;
- (v) heating the molded biomass product to a temperature of from 160° C. to 420° C. for a time period of from 0.25 to 5 hours so as to provide a solid biomass fuel;
- and
- (vi) removing dust particles from the solid biomass fuel;
- wherein the one or more sources of biomass comprise bagasse, sunflower stalks, wheat stalks, corn stalks, sorghum stalks, soybean stalk, peanut stalks, cotton stalks, rape stalks, coconut husks, palm husks, seaweed, peanut hulls, or a combination thereof.
A process according to any preceding claim, wherein step (ii) of pulverising the one or more sources of biomass to provide a pulverised biomass powder with an average particle diameter (D50) of from 1000 μm to 10,000 μm comprises (a) crushing the one or more sources of biomass in a process involving the use of a negative pressure pneumatic conveyancing apparatus where the moisture content of the one or more sources of biomass is 20% by weight or less.
A process according to any preceding claim, wherein step (iii) of drying the pulverised biomass powder so as to provide a dried pulverised biomass powder comprises drying the pulverised biomass in a drying cylinder.
A process according to any preceding claim, wherein step (iii) of drying the pulverised biomass powder so as to provide a dried pulverised biomass powder further comprises mixing the pulverised biomass powder particles whilst drying.
A process according to any preceding claim, wherein step (iv) of molding the dried pulverised biomass powder comprises adapting the molding step such that the density of the molded biomass product is controlled, optionally wherein adapting the molding step such that the density of the molded biomass product is controlled comprises controlling the compression ratio of a mold used in said molding step.
A process according to any preceding claim, wherein an additive is added to the dried pulverised biomass powder prior to step (iv) of molding the dried compressed biomass powder.
A process according to any preceding claim, wherein step (v) of heating the molded biomass product is carried out for a time period of from 0.4 to 2.5 hours, and/or wherein the step of heating the molded biomass product comprises heating the molded biomass product so a temperature of from 180° C. to 350° C., optionally from 210° C. to 280° C.
A process according to any preceding claim wherein step (v) of heating the molded biomass product comprises heating the molded biomass product under conditions so as to induce torrefaction of the molded biomass product.
A process according to any preceding claim, wherein step (v) of heating the molded biomass product is adapted so as to control the uniformity of the solid biomass fuel, optionally wherein adapting step (v) so as to control the uniformity of the solid biomass fuel comprises conducting step (v) in an apparatus in which the molded biomass product is rotated whilst being heated, optionally, wherein adapting step (v) so as to control the uniformity of the solid biomass fuel comprises controlling the speed or direction of rotation of the molded biomass product, optionally wherein the molded biomass product is rotated in the apparatus in both an anticlockwise and clockwise direction.
A process according to any preceding claim, wherein the process further comprises a step of cooling the solid biomass fuel after heating step (v) and prior to step (vi) of removing dust particles from the solid biomass fuel.
A process according to any preceding claim, wherein step (vi) of removing dust particles from the solid biomass fuel comprises removing dust particles from the solid biomass fuel with a screen.
A process according to any preceding claim, wherein step (vi) of removing dust particles from the solid biomass fuel comprises subjecting the solid biomass fuel to vibration, rotation, rolling, or any combination thereof.
A process according to any preceding claim, wherein the bulk density of the solid biomass fuel as determined according to DIN EN 15103 is from 0.55 kg/l to 0.8 kg/l, preferably from 0.60 kg/l to 0.75 kg/l, and more preferably from 0.60 to 0.70 kg/L;
- and/or wherein the mechanical durability of the solid biomass fuel as determined according to DIN EN 15210-1 is 90% or more, 93% or more, or 95% or more.
A process according to any preceding claim, wherein:
- (i) the one or more sources of biomass comprise or consist essentially of bagasse, and wherein the solid biomass fuel has a bulk density of from 0.60 kg/L to 0.65 kg/L, and wherein the mechanical durability of the solid biomass fuel is 95% or higher;
- (ii) the one or more sources of biomass comprise or consist essentially of sunflower stalks, and wherein the solid biomass fuel has a bulk density of from 0.60 kg/L to 0.65 kg/L, and wherein the mechanical durability of the solid biomass fuel is 95% or higher;
- (iii) the one or more sources of biomass comprise or consist essentially of wheat stalks, and wherein the solid biomass fuel has a bulk density of from 0.58 kg/L to 0.65 kg/L, and wherein the mechanical durability of the solid biomass fuel is 95% or higher;
- (iv) the one or more sources of biomass comprise or consist essentially of corn stalks, and wherein the solid biomass fuel has a bulk density of from 0.61 kg/L to 0.66 kg/L, and wherein the mechanical durability of the solid biomass fuel is 96% or higher;
- (v) the one or more sources of biomass comprise or consist essentially of sorghum stalk, and wherein the solid biomass fuel has a bulk density of from 0.62 kg/L to 0.66 kg/L, and wherein the mechanical durability of the solid biomass fuel is 97% or higher;
- (vi) the one or more sources of biomass comprise or consist essentially of soybean stalk s, and wherein the solid biomass fuel has a bulk density of from 0.61 kg/L to 0.66 kg/L, and wherein the mechanical durability of the solid biomass fuel is 96% or higher;
- (vii) the one or more sources of biomass comprise or consist essentially of peanut stalks, and wherein the solid biomass fuel has a bulk density of from 0.62 kg/L to 0.68 kg/L, and wherein the mechanical durability of the solid biomass fuel is 97% or higher;
- (viii) the one or more sources of biomass comprise or consist essentially of cotton stalk, and wherein the solid biomass fuel has a bulk density of from 0.62 kg/L to 0.68 kg/L, and wherein the mechanical durability of the solid biomass fuel is 98% or higher;
- (ix) the one or more sources of biomass comprise or consist essentially of rape stalk, and wherein the solid biomass fuel has a bulk density of from 0.58 kg/L to 0.65 kg/L, and wherein the mechanical durability of the solid biomass fuel is 98% or higher;
- (x) the one or more sources of biomass comprise or consist essentially of coconut shell, and wherein the solid biomass fuel has a bulk density of from 0.62 kg/L to 0.72 kg/L, and wherein the mechanical durability of the solid biomass fuel is 98% or higher;
- (xi) the one or more sources of biomass comprise or consist essentially of palm husks, and wherein the solid biomass fuel has a bulk density of from 0.62 kg/L to 0.70 kg/L, and wherein the mechanical durability of the solid biomass fuel is 98% or higher;
- (xii) the one or more sources of biomass comprise or consist essentially of seaweed, and wherein the solid biomass fuel has a bulk density of from 0.61 kg/L to 0.66 kg/L, and wherein the mechanical durability of the solid biomass fuel is 96% or higher;
- or (xiii) the one or more sources of biomass comprise or consist essentially of peanut hulls, and wherein the solid biomass fuel has a bulk density of from 0.61 kg/L to 0.66 kg/L, and wherein the mechanical durability of the solid biomass fuel is 97% or higher;
- wherein the bulk density is determined according to DIN EN 15103, and wherein the mechanical durability is determined according to DIN EN 15210-1.
A process according to any preceding claim, wherein (i) the total dry sulphur content of the biomass solid fuel is 0.5 wt % or less, preferably 0.45 wt % or less, and most preferably 0.40 wt % or less, wherein the total dry sulphur content is determined according to DIN EN 15289;
- (ii) the total dry hydrogen content of the biomass solid fuel is 3 wt % or more, preferably from 5 wt % to 10 wt %, and more preferably from 5 wt % to 7 wt %, wherein the total dry hydrogen content is determined according to DIN EN 15104;
- (iii) the total dry oxygen content of the biomass solid fuel is 20 wt % or more, preferably from 25 wt % to 42 wt %, more preferably from 28 wt % to 40 wt %, wherein the total dry oxygen content is determined according to DIN EN 15296;
- (iv) the total dry carbon content of the biomass solid fuel is 40 wt % or more, preferably from 45 wt % to 65 wt %, and more preferably from 50 wt % to 60 wt %, wherein total dry carbon content is determined according to DIN EN 15104;
- and/or (v) the total dry nitrogen content of the biomass solid fuel is less than 5.0 wt %, preferably less than 3.0 wt % and more preferably less than 2.5 wt %, wherein the total dry nitrogen content is determined according to DIN EN 15104.
A process according to any preceding claim, wherein (i) the chemical oxygen demand (COD) of the solid biomass fuel when immersed in water is 5000 ppm or less, preferably 4000 ppm or less, and most preferably 3200 ppm or less, wherein the chemical oxygen demand is determined according to GB/11914-89;
- (ii) the fixed carbon content of the solid biomass fuel is 20 wt % or more, preferably from 25 wt % to 45 wt %, wherein the fixed carbon content is determined according to DIN EN 51734;
- (iii) the ash content of the solid biomass fuel is less than 20 wt %, preferably less than 18 wt %, and more preferably less than 10 wt %, wherein the ash content is determined according to EN 14775 at 550° C.;
- (iv) the volatile matter content of the solid biomass fuel is from 35 wt % to 80 wt %, more preferably from 40 wt % to 80 wt %, and most preferably from 50 wt % to 80 wt %, wherein the volatile matter content is determined according to DIN EN 15148;
- and/or (v) the internal moisture content of the solid biomass fuel is less than 8 wt %, preferably less than 6 wt %, and more preferably less than 5 wt %, wherein the internal moisture content is determined according to DIN EN 14774.
A process according to any preceding claim, wherein the biomass solid fuel has a calorific value of from 4300 kcal/kg to 6500 kcal/kg, and preferably 4800 kcal/kg to 5800 kcal/kg, wherein the calorific value is determined in accordance with DIN EN 14918.
A process according to any preceding claim, wherein the biomass solid fuel has a base moisture content of less than 10 wt %, preferably less than 8 wt %, and most preferably less than 6 wt %, wherein the base moisture content is determined according to GB/T211-2017.
A process according to any preceding claim, wherein the pH of the solid biomass fuel is from 4 to 10.
A process according to any preceding claim, wherein the coke residue of the solid biomass fuel upon combustion is 1 to 4, preferably from 2 to 3.
A process according to any preceding claim, wherein the solid biomass fuel is waterproof for up to 20 days, preferably up to 30 days, and more preferably up to 40 days.
A process according to any preceding claim, wherein the PM1.0 emissions of the solid biomass fuel upon combustion is less than 175 mg/kg, preferably less than 150 mg/kg.
A process according to any preceding claim, wherein the bulk density of the molded biomass product is A, and the bulk density of the biomass solid fuel is B, and wherein B/A is 0.55 to 1, wherein the bulk density is determined in accordance with DIN EN 15103.
A process according to any preceding claim, wherein material derived from biomass is present in the solid biomass fuel in an amount of at least 95% by weight of the total fuel content of the solid biomass fuel.
A solid biomass fuel obtainable or obtained by a process according to any preceding claim.
A solid biomass fuel derived from one or more sources of biomass, wherein the one or more sources of biomass:
- (i) comprise, consist of, or consist essentially of bagasse;
- (ii) comprise, consist of, or consist essentially of sunflower stalks;
- (iii) comprise, consist of, or consist essentially of wheat stalks;
- (iv) comprise, consist of, or consist essentially of corn stalks;
- (v) comprise, consist of, or consist essentially of soybean stalks;
- (vi) comprise, consist of, or consist essentially of sorghum stalks;
- (vii) comprise, consist of, or consist essentially of peanut hulls;
- (viii) comprise, consist of, or consist essentially of cotton stalks;
- (ix) comprise, consist of, or consist essentially of rape stalks;
- (x) comprise, consist of, or consist essentially of coconut husks;
- (xi) comprise, consist of, or consist essentially of palm husks;
- (xii) comprise, consist of, or consist essentially of seaweed;
- or
- (xiii) comprise, consist of, or consist essentially of peanut hulls.
Use of one or more sources of biomass to produce a solid biomass fuel, wherein the one or more sources of biomass:
- (i) comprise, consist of, or consist essentially of bagasse;
- (ii) comprise, consist of, or consist essentially of sunflower stalks;
- (iii) comprise, consist of, or consist essentially of wheat stalks;
- (iv) comprise, consist of, or consist essentially of corn stalks;
- (v) comprise, consist of, or consist essentially of soybean stalks;
- (vi) comprise, consist of, or consist essentially of sorghum stalks;
- (vii) comprise, consist of, or consist essentially of peanut hulls;
- (viii) comprise, consist of, or consist essentially of cotton stalks;
- (ix) comprise, consist of, or consist essentially of rape stalks;
- (x) comprise, consist of, or consist essentially of coconut husks;
- (xi) comprise, consist of, or consist essentially of palm husks;
- or (xii) comprise, consist of, or consist essentially of seaweed;
- or (xiii) comprise, consist of, or consist essentially of peanut hulls.
A pre-treatment process for pre-treating one or more sources of biomass for use in the production of a solid biomass fuel, wherein the pre-treatment process comprises the following steps:
- (i) providing one or more sources of biomass with an average particle diameter (D50) of from 30,000 μm to 60,000 μm;
- (ii) pulverising the one or more sources of biomass to provide a pulverised biomass powder with an average particle diameter (D50) of from 1000 μm to 10,000 μm;
- (iii) drying the pulverised biomass powder so as to provide a dried pulverised biomass powder;
- wherein the one or more sources of biomass comprise bagasse, sunflower stalks, wheat stalks, corn stalks, sorghum stalks, soya bean stalks, peanut stalks, cotton stalks, rape stalks, coconut husks, palm husks, seaweed, peanut hulls, or a combination thereof.
A pre-treatment process according to any preceding claim, wherein step (iii) of drying the pulverised biomass powder so as to provide a dried pulverised biomass powder comprises drying the pulverised biomass in a drying cylinder.
A post-treatment process for post-treating a solid biomass fuel, wherein the post treatment process comprises a step of removing dust particles from the solid biomass fuel, wherein the solid biomass fuel is derived from one or more sources of biomass, wherein the one or more sources of biomass comprise bagasse, sunflower stalks, wheat stalks, corn stalks, sorghum stalks, soybean stalk, peanut stalks, cotton stalks, rape stalks, coconut husks, palm husks, seaweed, peanut hulls, or a combination thereof.
Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.