Data from: Experiments on torrefied wood pellet: study by gasification and characterization for waste biomass to energy applications

Samples of torrefied wood pellet produced by low-temperature microwave
pyrolysis were tested through a series of experiments relevant to present
and near future waste to energy conversion technologies. Operational
performance was assessed using a modern small-scale downdraft gasifier.
Owing to the pellet's shape and surface hardness, excellent flow
characteristics were observed. The torrefied pellet had a high energy
density, and although a beneficial property, this highlighted the present
inflexibility of downdraft gasifiers in respect of feedstock tolerance due
to the inability to contain very high temperatures inside the reactor
during operation. Analyses indicated that the torrefaction process had not
significantly altered inherent kinetic properties to a great extent;
however, both activation energy and pre-exponential factor were slightly
higher than virgin biomass from which the pellet was derived.
Thermogravimetric analysis-derived reaction kinetics (CO2 gasification),
bomb calorimetry, proximate and ultimate analyses, and the Bond Work Index
grindability test provided a more comprehensive characterization of the
torrefied pellet's suitability as a fuel for gasification and also
other combustion applications. It exhibited significant improvements in
grindability energy demand and particle size control compared to other
non-treated and thermally treated biomass pellets, along with a high
calorific value, and excellent resistance to water.