Characterization of biomasses in the southern Italy regions for their use in thermal processes

Published Date
Applied Energy
15 October 2014, Vol.131:180–188, doi:10.1016/j.apenergy.2014.06.013

• Author 

• A. Molino ^,
• F. Nanna
• A. Villone

• ENEA – Italian National Agency for New Technologies, Energy and Sustainable Economic Development, SS 106 Jonica km 419.500, 75026 Rotondella, MT, Italy

Received 7 January 2014. Revised 28 April 2014. Accepted 10 June 2014. Available online 8 July 2014. 

Highlights

• •
  Use of bioenergy sources as an alternative to fossil.
• •
  Physical–chemical properties for an advanced use of the sustainable resource.
• •
  Composition of biomass for the use of this fuel for energy purposes.
• •
  Characterization of different types of biomass found in the regions of the southern Italy.

Abstract

The attention regarding bioenergy sources, such as biomass, as an alternative to fossil fuels has increased tremendously over the past few years consequently to the problems related to global warming.

For the using of biomass as fuel is very important the basic knowledge of its physical–chemical properties for the using of the sustainable resource.

The identification of biomasses in terms of both quantification and characterization of the chemical composition of biomass is a fundamental step for the use of this fuel for energy purposes. There are many differences between the various types of biomass; firstly, the moisture, the chemical composition and in particular that of the ashes, and the content of inorganic substances.

The elements mainly present in biomass, in decreasing order of abundance are: carbon, oxygen, hydrogen, nitrogen, calcium, potassium, silicon, magnesium, aluminum, sulfur, iron, potassium, chloride, sodium and manganese. In addition, compared to coal, the chemical composition of biomass is significantly different, in particular the biomasses are highly enriched in hydrogen, manganese, potassium, phosphorus, chlorine, calcium, sodium and magnesium, as well as in terms of moisture and volatile substances compared to coal, while result with a lower ash content, iron, carbon, nitrogen, sulfur, and silicon.

The purpose of this work is the quantification and characterization of different types of biomass found in the regions of the southern Italy with similar soil and same climatic conditions, at the end of their use in mixtures in an optical of build several ultrashort bioenergetical chains. Experimental results have shown that the heavy metal content is significantly lower in the fly ash than the bottom ash, and therefore, their mixture may be used as a soil improver to maintain the cycle of nutrients in soils.

Keywords

Gasification

Biomass

Syngas

Energy mix

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Nomenclature

UNI EN

National Agency of unification

CEN

European Committee for Standardization

ISO

International Organization for Standardization

DIN

Deutsches Institut für Normung

ASTM

International Standards Worldwide

HHV

Higher heating value

LHV

Lower heating value

AI

Alcaline Index

R_a/b

acid–base ratio

m (g)

material weight expressed in gram (g)

Q_i (J)

is the sum of heating value non product from the combustion (i.e. metal wire, capsules and other materials)

Δt (°C)

temperature increase measured in the system calorimetric

F (% p/p)

condensed water in the bomb calorimeter, expressed as % by weight of the sample determined by weighing or calculated on the basis of the reaction stoichiometry of the hydrogen contained in the sample and moisture

24.41 (J/g)

factor for the latent heat of evaporation of water

C (J/°C)

thermal capacity of the system. Is determined by burning in the same system a known amount of a reference substance of which is already known to the HHV

HPLC

High Performance Ionic Chromatography

 Table 1

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