Method of drying biomass

摘要

A process for torrefaction of biomass is provided in which biomass are passed into a fluidized bed or a non-fluidized bed reactor and heated to a predetermined temperature in an oxidizing environment. The dried biomass is then fed to a cooler where the temperature of the product is reduced to approximately 100 degrees Fahrenheit.

主权项

1. A process for biomass torrefaction, comprising:
adding biomass to a reactor; adding a first gas to said reactor, wherein the first gas comprises an oxygen concentration from about 10 vol % to about 21 vol %; controlling an oxygen concentration of a second gas exiting said reactor, wherein said oxygen concentration of the second gas is less than about 8 vol %; initiating heating of said biomass by increasing a temperature of said reactor; heating said biomass to a biomass temperature between about 250° C. to about 325° C. by partial combustion of said biomass with oxygen in the first gas in said reactor; and maintaining the biomass temperature within said reactor for a predetermined time by spraying water into said reactor, whereby a portion of moisture is removed from said biomass, volatile organic compounds associated with said biomass are removed, and said biomass is torrefied to produce a torrefied biomass with a moisture content from about 0 wt % to about 2 wt %.