| dc.description.abstract | A novel torrefaction methodology using molten salts as a means to reduce torrefaction temperatures was investigated. A lab-scale molten salt torrefaction methodology was developed to consistently torrify biomass; involving the development of a new torrefaction apparatus and investigation of key variables such as residence time, torrefaction temperature, salt-to-biomass ratio, and biomass particle size. Subsequently, this methodology was used to evaluate the effect of temperature and determine which component of the salt blend is the most influential on torrefaction levels. Temperatures ranging from 180 °C to 240 °C and salt blends with lithium nitrate, sodium nitrate, and potassium nitrate content ranging from 20 wt%-40 wt%, 0 wt%-20 wt%, and 50 wt%-70 wt% respectively were investigated. Molten nitrate salts do have the potential to reduce torrefaction temperatures up to 65 °C, while the torrefaction level of the biomass improves with increasing torrefaction temperatures and lithium nitrate content. | en_US |
