Comprehensive Thermal Analysis of Torrefied Larch Wood
DOI:
https://doi.org/10.37482/0536-1036-2026-4-171-180Keywords:
larch wood, forest industry complex, torrefied biomass, gas chromatography, pyrolysis, thermogravimetryAbstract
The production of torrefied biomass is a strategically important area for diversifying the Russian forestry sector’s product range. Torrefied biomass is produced by the thermochemical biomass conversion in an oxygen-limited environment. High energy density, hydrophobicity, and resistance to biological degradation are among the advantages of torrefied biomass over raw biomass. The research is aimed at carrying out a comprehensive thermal analysis of the energy potential and thermal degradation parameters of torrefied biofuel produced from larch wood. The paper presents the characteristics of torrefied biomass, its elemental and compositional structure, and its metal oxide content. Pyrolysis gas chromatography-mass spectrometry determined the main organic compounds present in pyrolysis vapors at five different temperature settings (ranging from 200 to 600 °C with a 100 °C step) during processing. The temperature ranges for moisture loss and the combustion of fuel and coke residue were determined using thermogravimetry and differential thermogravimetry in an inert (argon) and air atmosphere at a heating rate of 10 °C/min. The release of high-calorie components and the greatest heat release occur in the 400–500 °C temperature range. It has been found that torrefaction produces a fuel with higher energy efficiency and improved fuel properties compared to solid wood. The results have practical significance for assessing the potential of torrefied biomass as a high-calorific-value solid biofuel for energy recovery at biofuel boiler plants in the Arctic region and provide a basis for further research in this area.
Funding: The research was financially supported by the Ministry of Science and Higher Education of the Russian Federation, Project No. FSRU-2024-0007.
Acknowledgments: The Core Facility Center “Arktika” at the Northern (Arctic) Federal University named after M.V. Lomonosov provided the scientific equipment for the research.
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