Characteristics of Torrefaction with Water Hyacinth

Abstract

This study explored the factors influencing heating value in the process of torrefaction of water hyacinth. Methods:Torrefaction was applied with three temperature settings (200, 300, 400oC) and three time settings (1, 2, 3 h) using small electric heaters (11.3ℓ of holding volume). This study investigated the heating values with the washing process and process factors influenced the torrefaction. In addition, this study compared the heating values in washed and unwashed samples and suggested the optimal conditions for increasing heating value. Results: Torrefaction increased the heating value by 8.18 ~ 30.04%. Comparing heating values of each condition, the optimal temperature for torrefaction was 300oC and holding time was 1 hour. The washing process increased the heating value by 19 ~ 27%. The heating value of the sample treated at 300oC for three hours was 4310.80 kcal/kg, which was greater than the first class wood pellet of 4300kcal/kg. Conclusions: This study proved that the torrefaction and washing process increased the heating value of water hyacinth. Therefore, water hyacinth is expected to be an eco-friendly biomass which substitutes for wood pellet.