Technologies for Converting Biomass to Useful Energy

CHAPTER 7

Biomass conversion through torrefaction

Anders Nordin, Linda Pommer, Martin Nordwaeger & Ingemar Olofsson

7.1 INTRODUCTION

Torrefaction is a mild thermal pretreatment and refinement process presently attracting extensive

interest and attention. Operating temperatures are between 200 and 350

◦

C and it quite closely

resembles the process of roasting coffee beans. Thereby the word torrefaction, which is simply

French for roasting. The resulting torrefied biomass (Fig. 7.1) is an excellent solid energy carrier

and product intermediate betweenbiomass and charcoal, exhibitingseveral advantagesin termsof

improvedinherent material characteristics.