Solid Fuel Torrefaction Using Secondary Recovered Fuel
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing methods for producing solid fuels using torrefaction of woody products face challenges such as unreliable and costly wood supply, environmental concerns from transportation, and limitations in energy yield and scalability, making them unsuitable for continuous and cost-effective energy production.
Innovation Solution
The method involves using Secondary Recovered Fuel (SRF) materials, obtained from corporate and household waste streams, which are processed to remove metals and inert materials, mixed with biomass and plastics, and then subjected to torrefaction to produce a solid fuel with enhanced properties suitable for universal use in combustion plants.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If woody products are used as starting material for torrefaction, then solid fuel can be produced, but the supply quantity cannot be controlled and costs are high
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the starting material from woody products to SRF (Secondary Recovered Fuel) with controlled composition parameters (30-80 wt% biomass, 20-70 wt% plastics). This parameter change enables continuous supply from waste streams while maintaining fuel quality through controlled composition ranges.
2Productivity
If wood is transported from other countries to meet energy requirements, then energy production can continue, but pollution increases and costs rise
Solution Approach 1:
The patent enables the system to use its own waste stream (corporate and household waste containing biomass and plastics) as feedstock. This self-service approach eliminates the need for external wood imports and associated transportation pollution while ensuring continuous fuel supply.
3Use of energy by moving object
If woody products are torrefied to produce solid fuel, then energy density increases, but fine dust is formed causing storage and transport problems
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses a composite starting material (SRF) containing both biomass and plastics (20-70 wt%). During torrefaction, the plastics melt and bind biomass particles together, forming a composite fuel structure that reduces fine dust formation while maintaining high energy density from the torrefied biomass.
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
This approach provides a continuous, cost-effective, and environmentally friendly solid fuel with high energy density, reduced fine dust, and improved combustion behavior, enabling efficient energy production while reducing CO2 emissions and minimizing the need for wood imports.
Implementation Method 1
heating the starting composition indirectly for between 10 minutes and less than 100 minutes at a mass temperature of 150 to 360 °C, to obtain the solid fuel
Data Source
Figure 1
AI summary
The present application relates to a method for the preparation, by torrefaction, of a solid fuel wherein a starting composition is heated indirectly. The present invention also relates to a solid fuel to be obtained by such method. The present application further relates to a method for the removal of one or more metals from or the reduction of the "total chlorine content", the sulphur content and the trace element content of a solid fuel thus obtained. In addition to that, the present invention relates to a solid fuel, which can be obtained by the carrying out of such a method. Finally, the present invention relates to the uses of such solid fuels.