Upgrading woody biomass to biocoal using a novel microwave induced plasma technology

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Liverpool John Moores University (LJMU) is supporting Stopford Projects Ltd. by researching a novel system for the production of biocoal from wood pellets. The biocoal is formed in a process known as torrefaction by removing water and low energy volatiles from the wood by heating in a low oxygen environment. This is achieved in a closed reactor. The heat is provided by a gas which has been energised by microwaves to convert it to plasma. The system will be based on microwave induced plasma torch technology, which LJMU have been developing. LJMU's primary objective in this project will be to investigate the use of different plasma gases to make the torrefaction system as economical as possible, and this may require refinements to the current technology. They will also assess the properties of the plasma produced and the temperatures achieved inside the reactor to maximise its interaction with the wood pellets. The long-term performance of the plasma as part of a continuous industrial process will also be investigated.