The behavior of biomass pellets during combustion in a thermogravimetric furnace

In order to utilize biomass as an alternative fuel, biomass pelletization and the fundamental combustion behavior of biomass pellets were studied. The physical and chemical characteristics of biomass powder were also investigated. The pelletization of biomass powder was optimized in order to obtain strong pellets, which can be easily injected to a reactor and burn efficiently without slagging and fouling. Biomass pellets were subjected to a slow heating process using a Thermogravimetric Furnace (TGF) coupled with a Fourier-Transform Infrared Spectrometer (FTIR). The mechanism of biomass pellets during combustion and the evolution of combustion gases from the solid residues were identified. The information from the lab-scale test will be used to understand and manage practical pilot-scale tests, such as Multi-Mode Combustion Facility (MCF).