Date of Award
2019
Publisher
North Dakota State University
Document Type
Thesis
Degree Awarded
Master of Science (MS)
Program
Mechanical Engineering
Department
Mechanical Engineering
College
Engineering
Faculty Advisor
Gladen, Adam
Description
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.
Recommended Citation
Backer, Michael Jason, "Experimental Investigation of Molten Salt Torrefaction and the Development of a Lab-Scale Torrefaction Methodology" (2019). Mechanical Engineering and Applied Mechanics. 97.
https://digitalcommons.ndsu.edu/mech-eng-applied-mechanics/97
Rights
NDSU policy 190.6.2
Rights Link
https://www.ndsu.edu/fileadmin/policy/190.pdf
Handle Identifier
https://hdl.handle.net/10365/32073