Influence of Torrefaction on the Characteristics of Fuel Blends of Biomass and High-Ash Carbon-Containing Waste

The influence of torrefaction on the characteristics of binary fuel blends consisting of plant biomass and high-ash carbon-containing technogenic waste is considered. It has been shown that through torrefaction it is possible to compensate for a decrease in the heating value of fuel blends associated with the addition of a high-ash component. A criterion for choosing a torrefaction mode was proposed and a corresponding analytical expression was obtained to calculate the minimum permissible biomass content in the fuel blend. This expression can be used in relation to fuel blends of various types of plant biomass and high-ash carbon-containing waste. Quantitative data demonstrating the improvement of the hydrophobic properties of fuel blends as a result of torrefaction are presented.