Example 3
This Example describes a method for modeling a reactor which is configured to allow torrefaction therein. The behavior of the reactor predicted by the model is compared to data generated experimentally from a reactor with similar characteristics to those modeled. In the present Example, a mathematical description of the reactor is developed. This mathematical description may produce reasonable fit to experimental data. It is demonstrated that at the small test-reactor scale, heat loss mechanism through the side wall may affect biomass torrefaction. Furthermore, by interrogating the scaling behaviors of the reactor, it is shown that as the reactor is scaled up, at the same operating condition, the mass yield of the torrefied biomass may improve by 10-20%.
