The case of Frictional Torrefaction and the effect of reflux condensation on the operation of the Rotary Compression Unit

This work introduces the process of Frictional Torrefaction and comes as a continuation to the previous work done on Frictional Pyrolysis, which is a novel method of pyrolysis that does not utilize heat but only friction and pressure. Both processes (i.e. Frictional Torrefaction and Frictional Pyrolysis) take place in a Rotary Compression Unit without and with a reflux condenser respectively. Rotating augers are used for the development of friction and the simultaneous increase of pressure. The following types of analysis were performed: TGA, BET, CHNS and HHV. Both products have similar heating values, around 21 MJ/kg. The elemental compositions are comparable but lower hydrogen content (3.5%) was measured for Frictional Torrefaction. BET analysis showed differences on the surface areas and porous sizes of the materials. Frictional Torrefaction has higher fixed carbon (31.23% vs 28.31%), higher surface area (58.16 m2/g vs 36.88 m2/g) and higher absorbance (35 cm3/g vs 26 cm3/g).