Calorific Characteristics of Larch (Larix decidua) and Oak (Quercus robur) Pellets Realized from Native and Torrefied Sawdust

Abstract

This research aimed to evaluate the calorific characteristics of two biomasses from larch and oak sawdust in the form of native or torrefied pellets. Some calorific features of these two kinds of biomasses, such as ash content, higher and lower calorific values, calorific density and many others were highlighted, allowing for a comparison between oak and larch torrefied/not torrefied pellets. Installations and methods used for the process of torrefaction and for highlighting some of the calorific features were also evaluated. As a result of experiments, it was demonstrated that the larch and oak pellets were different in terms of density, but that after thermal treatment, the calorific values of both increased considerably. The investigations evidenced some increases in calorific value, up to 15.8%, for both the larch and oak sawdust/pellets. One of the main conclusions of this research was that, even though the role of biomass has diminished considerably in the last few decades, its role as a sustainable fuel remains relevant. Its use will become more widespread when the world’s population understands that fossil fuels are depletable and that they must be replaced by renewable fuels such as biomass.