Comparative Analysis of Characteristics Based on Three Processes of Kenaf Solid Fuel: Hydrothermal Carbonization, Torrefaction, and Low Ash Torrefaction

• Published in: The Korean journal of chemical engineering 2024, 41(6), 291, pp.1743-1755
• Main Authors: Youn, Hee Sun, Kim, Ga Hee, Um, Byung Hwan
• Format: Article
• Language: English
• Subjects: Ash removal; Biotechnology; Carbon content; Carbonization; Catalysis; Chemical composition; Chemistry; Chemistry and Materials Science; Drying; Industrial Chemistry/Chemical Engineering; Kenaf; Materials Science; Original Article; Pyrolysis; Solid fuels; 화학공학
• ISSN: 0256-1115; 1975-7220
• DOI: 10.1007/s11814-024-00141-1

This study compared kenaf-based solid fuel characteristics using three processes: hydrothermal carbonization (HTC), torrefaction (TOR), and low-ash TOR, (LA_TOR). Solid fuels were produced by conducting the ash removal process at 50 °C for 60 min in an autoclave, followed by HTC or TOR at various temperatures (160, 200, 240, 280, and 320 °C) for 60 min. The resulting products' chemical compositions and fuel properties were then compared. The study found that under HTC at 320 °C, the product had the highest carbon content compared with the products from TOR and LA_TOR at 320 °C. Thus, HTC produced the highest-quality solid fuel of the three methods. However, this process showed a low energy yield and significant energy loss. In contrast, LA_TOR exhibited a high energy yield, low energy loss, and effectively reduced the ash content of the product. This demonstrates its suitability for industrial-scale applications that demand fuel with low ash content and energy loss. Graphical Abstract