Many are looking for new green coal or bio-coal or biomass briquette. The market is predicted to grow exponentially over the next ten years. Since bio-coal is produced from biomass, it does not give rise to fossil carbon dioxide. The industry, therefore, sees this as a possible solution where fossil coal is to be phased out.
As an example, today, a number of companies in India have switched from furnace oil, fire-wood, and coal to biomass briquettes to save costs on boiler fuels. Many companies are using biomass briquettes as fuel to earn Carbon Credits, which is an indirect advantage.
The basic principle for the production of bio-coal is based on old-time coal mills, where charcoal was produced. Biomass is heated in an oxygen-poor environment to at most 700 degrees, called pyrolysis. But today's manufacturing is much more efficient. Unlike charcoal, which is only made from wood, several types of bio-based materials can be used as raw material for bio-coal. For example, leaves, food waste, or animal waste. Today's production processes of bio-coal take place in equipment with advanced process control and the opportunity to capture and utilize gas and oil formed in the process. These can then be used to produce various chemicals and biofuels, according to Maria Lundgren at The Metal Research Institute Swerim in Sweden. The interest in bio-coal has recently exploded. To date, ten Swedish plants have received state subsidies to start bio-coal production.
As an example, today, a number of companies in India have switched from furnace oil, fire-wood, and coal to biomass briquettes to save costs on boiler fuels. Many companies are using biomass briquettes as fuel to earn Carbon Credits, which is an indirect advantage.
The basic principle for the production of bio-coal is based on old-time coal mills, where charcoal was produced. Biomass is heated in an oxygen-poor environment to at most 700 degrees, called pyrolysis. But today's manufacturing is much more efficient. Unlike charcoal, which is only made from wood, several types of bio-based materials can be used as raw material for bio-coal. For example, leaves, food waste, or animal waste. Today's production processes of bio-coal take place in equipment with advanced process control and the opportunity to capture and utilize gas and oil formed in the process. These can then be used to produce various chemicals and biofuels, according to Maria Lundgren at The Metal Research Institute Swerim in Sweden. The interest in bio-coal has recently exploded. To date, ten Swedish plants have received state subsidies to start bio-coal production.
