Process for converting ligneous matter of vegetable origin by torrefaction, and product obtained thereby
AssigneeAssociation Pour La Recherche Et Le Developpement Des Methodes Et Processus Industriels
InventorSchwob Yvan
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Abstract
The present invention relates to a process for converting ligneous matter of vegetable origin by torrefaction, and to the product obtained. Wood or any other ligneous matter is subjected in a neutral atmosphere to a treatment of torrefaction at a temperature of between 200.degree. and 280.degree. C., and preferably between 240.degree. and 260.degree. C. for a duration of 30 mins. to 5 hours. The product of the invention is not fermentable, it has a specific mass close to 0.25 kg/dm.sup.3, a calorific power of at least about 5000 kcal/kg, a content of fixed carbon of 35 to 40% and can be broken up by hand; it may be used as fuel in boilers and in gas generators.
Claims15
A process for converting ligneous matter to a torrefied wood product comprising:
- (1) slowing and progressively heating a feed consisting essentially of fragmented ligneous matter in a medium which under the heating conditions is substantially inert to the ligneous matter, and wherein the heating conditions are such that all of the ligneous matter being heated reaches a temperature of at least 200.degree. C. but none of the ligneous matter reaches a temperature which exceeds 280.degree. C.
- (2) maintaining the said heating step for a period of 0.5 to 5 hours;
- (3) removing pyroligneous gaseous products from the medium during the heating period;
- (4) cooling the heated product;
- and
- (5) recovering the resulting torrefied wood product.
Torrefied ligneous matter of vegetable origin having a fixed carbon content of between 35 and 40%, a caloric value of at least 5000 kcal/kg A hydroscopicity of less than 3% and not being fermentable.
Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.