Obtaining difusive and kinetic data from batch combustion of invasive species char pellets

The use of alternative energy sources, like biomass, becomes ever more important due to the necessity to minimize the large energy consumption of fossil fuels and fight climate changes. The laboratory scale determination of kinetic and diffusive combustion data is necessary for research and design purposes. A mathematical model for batch combustion of biochar particles was developed and tested with a laboratory scale fixed bed reactor where batches of wood chars, produced from invasive species at the lab facilities, were burned at bed temperatures of 800°C, using four different average equivalent diameters (4.79, 4.82, 5.62 and 5.69 mm). Continuous measurements of CO2 and O2 concentrations were carried out during the running tests. The main purpose of this work was to apply a developed mathematical model to test carbonized pellets combustion made of invasive species in a fixed or packed bed combustor, to obtain specific diffusive and kinetic data (Sh and kc).