Latest Advances In Biomass Processing Technologies

TORBED is a registered trade mark of Mortimer Technology Holdings Ltd Using a variety of processes including the TORBED Process Energy Technologies Martin Groszek Managing Director Torftech Group

Torftech was first incorporated in the UK 26 years ago. Our reference list comprises of over 150 units We develop, license, provide and support the TORBED process energy technologies and its users across a wide range of industries for applications including: Energy production from biomass, ‘wastes’ and solid fuels Regeneration, recovery, and manufacture of catalysts Production and recovery of industrial minerals Carbon burn-out in fly ash Dry scrubbing of acid gases from exhaust streams Precision processing of solid food products Torftech Group

Compact Bed Reactor (CBR) Expanded Bed Reactor (EBR) Two Generic TORBED Reactor Types

The process gas stream lifts a shallow compact bed imparting horizontal motion and subjecting the base layer of the bed to high impact gas velocities and thus higher heat and mass transfer rates. The TORBED Compact Bed Reactor (CBR)

The process gas flow is increased until it entrains all the bed particles in a rapidly spinning inner vortex. Particles separate by centrifugal force from the inner vortex to the outer wall before returning to the base of the reactor creating a diffuse toroidal bed. The base layer of the bed is subjected to high impact gas velocities and thus high heat and mass transfer rates. The TORBED Expanded Bed Reactor (EBR) Process Gas Stream Fixed Blades Diffuse bed of particles Inner vortex from which particles are separated to the outside wall

Expertise in Energy Systems Drying of biomass or industrial wastes Upgrading of biomass by torrefaction Generation of thermal energy from biomass and wastes Devolatilisation of coal or lignite Combustion of biomass and sludges ……and combinations of the above We have particular knowledge of process intensification technology developed for these markets: All of which contribute to carbon abatement……

Definitions Drying Torrefaction (Roasting) Devolatilization (Pyrolysis) GasificationCombustion

Some Examples of Energy Related Applications

Sludge/Biomass Drying 6 t/h Paper Mill Sludge dryer: 3-Stage unit (4.5m / 3.5m / 2m) Sappi, Holland Feed Sludge Moisture: 67% Product Moisture: 5% (Used as cement kiln fuel) Use Waste Heat at 110°C

It takes Nature 60 million years Wood Chips Grass Straw Pulverized, Torrefied Wood 250 – 350°C Atmospheric Pressure Inert Environment Torrefaction Torrefied Wood Pellets “Bio-Coal” It takes a TORBED unit 60 seconds !

Torrefaction – Demo Plant

Gasification: Wood Chips 1 t/h waste wood TORBED® gasifier generating a fuel gas for use in a rotary drier

Combustor: Paper Sludge Atlantic Packaging, Ontario 2.5m  TORBED EBR Combustor 6 t/h Sludge Feed 12 MW th 50-60% Feed Moisture Waste Disposal Cost avoidance GHG Reduction Steam Generation from Waste Valuable Filler Clays recovered

Handles widely graded and irregularly shaped feed Accepts high water content biomass feeds Produces consistent, low carbon ashes (combustion) Low pressure drop allowing easy process gas recirculation for higher efficiency (gasification) Very rapid start-up Simple to operate and automate High turndown ratios possible No sand bed What sets the TORBED process apart from other technologies?

Use of a smaller reactor unit, because of the faster reaction rates More precise processing and control Ash qualities are superior and in some cases unique creating additional value Feed preparation is often not required High turndown ratio routinely achieved Benefits of Intensifying the Process

Simple supply contracts 1999/2000 Worked with Licensee on smokeless coal, sewage sludge and other “fuels” – Częstochowa 2004 Current Collaboration Agreement – Mostostal Dolny Ś ląsk –Tests on Multiple Fuel Types –Fabrication and Equipment Service –Project Developer/Manager Torftech in Poland

Test Plant Swidnica

Projects In Poland

“Firmy zapowiadają wielomiliardowe inwestycje w zakłady produkujące ciepło i zieloną energię” “Stare ciepłownie znikną z rynku” Rzeczpospolita “Companies forecast multi-billion investments in heating stations producing heat and green energy”

Project Requirements Profitable Project Proven Technology Finance Fuel supply Heat offtake Electricity offtake Green/Yellow/Red Certificates Equity Partners EPCM Operation Insurer Maintenance Permits etc

Why CHP?? Janusz Ryk Polish Association of Professional Heat and Power Plants

Biomass Distribution (1) The energy potential of woody biomass (voivodeships) The energy potential of straw (voivodeships) According to the Institute for Renewable Energy (

Biomass Distribution (2) Instutute for Renewable Energy ( Centralised Energy Production Biomass used at Local/Gmina level – high transport costs + higher carbon footprint Encouragement for investments in “local” energy CHP plants

Polish “Gminy” - Municipalities 2478 in 2004

Gasification Potential for Fuels Gasification Potential

CHP Project Economics CAPEX of CHP Plant Electricity Market – Green Certificates CHP market – Yellow/Red Certificates 1MWe cut off CO 2 credits Cost of Biomass Bio-char sales.

Full scale commercial gasification plant Size of unit 1000 mm diameter Multi – fuel capability –Straw –Wood –Coal Initial project co-firing with coal 5 MW th MZEC Swidnica

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