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Abstract
Objective: Integration of the hydrothermal carbonization process in the treatment of biological wastes in order to increase biomass transportability by obtaining new products with added value.
Design/methodology/approach: Fresh biomass is poured into a hermetic and pressurized reactor. Process progress is determined first from data coming of lignocellulose composition in the biomass and from processing conditions; temperature, pressure and processing time. Samples must be extracted which should be synchronized with technical pauses during the process advancement, to be analytically assessed. Slurry from HTC can be extracted in liquid state through valves placed on the reactor.
Results: A stable quality of carbon obtained from biomass from various sources can be attained, when measurements are made at relatively short intervals along the process. This offers the opportunity to control and optimize the process performance, supported by results obtained in real time.
Study limitations/implications: There are fluctuations in the quality of different types of biocarbon produced. Biomass composition must be analyzed, particularly the dry matter. At present, there are no suitable methods to monitor the carbonization process.
Findings/conclusions: Hydrothermal carbonization is a faster process and it is possible to interfere with it, in order to balance the different types of biocarbon in terms of quality, by performing adequate adjustments in function of data obtained in real time.
