Optimized torrefaction and hydrothermal carbonization of rose residue and chicken manure for enhanced biofuel production
摘要
This study investigates the torrefaction and hydrothermal carbonization (HTC) of rose residue (RR) and chicken manure (CM), two abundant but underutilized biomass resources, to optimize their energy recovery potential. While biomass energy is widely recognized as a renewable alternative to fossil fuels, limitations such as high moisture content and low energy density hinder its efficiency. Torrefaction enhanced to the fuel quality of RR and CM, reducing moisture by 74–86% and volatile matter by 28–38%, while increasing fixed carbon by 79–141% and HHV by 6–11%. Ash content increased by 178% in RR and 60% in CM, indicating improved energy characteristics with differing implications for subsequent thermochemical utilization. HTC also improved the fuel properties of both RR and CM by reducing moisture (47–87%) and volatile matter (16–28%) while increasing fixed carbon (69–102%) and HHV (10–6%). Under the most severe HTC conditions, ash content increased from 9.16% to 15.27% for RR and from 35.11% to 48.48% for CM, indicating enhanced carbonization and energy densification of both feedstocks. Although HTC achieved comparable improvements in fuel quality, it was associated with greater ash accumulation. In contrast, torrefaction demonstrated superior performance in terms of carbon enrichment and moisture reduction for both feedstocks. Therefore, the selection of the most appropriate pretreatment method should be based on the intended thermochemical conversion pathway and the ability of the conversion system to tolerate ash-related operational challenges.