Torrefied biomasses in a drop tube furnace to evaluate their utility in blast furnaces

► Torrefaction and burning characteristics of five biomasses were studied. ► A drop tube furnace was employed to evaluate biomass used in blast furnace. ► Torrefaction also lowered the sulfur content in bamboo and oil palm. ► The R-factor and burnout of the biomasses were examined. ► Torrefaction at 300 °C is a feasible operating condition.