Research publication - Forests, Trees and Agroforestry

The optimal condition for the torrefaction of eucalyptus (Eucalyptus globulus) was investigated by response surface methodology. The carbon content in the torrefied biomass increased with the severity factor (SF), while hydrogen and oxygen contents decreased. The calorific value of torrefied biomass ranged from 20.23 to 21.29 MJ/kg, depending on the torrefaction conditions. This implied that the energy contained in the torrefied biomass increased by 1.6 to 6.9%, when compared with that of the untreated biomass. The weight loss of biomass increased as the SF increased. The Code level of reaction temperature had the highest impact on the energy yield of torrefied biomass, while the effect of Code level of reaction time was considerably low. The highest energy yield was obtained at low SF.