The energy content of a sample material is determined using a bomb calorimeter. This information is critical, especially in thermal applications in assessing the impact of substituting or co-firing your torrefied product with coal or other fuels.

Using a thermogravimetric analyzer (or muffle furnace), we can measure the relative percentage of moisture, volatile matter, fixed carbon, and ash in your sample. Each of these has an impact on how it will perform in various applications.

After making pellets, mechanical durability can be tested by tumbling the material and assessing how much of it breaks off into fine particles. This is critical for logistics handling and end users of the material.

Bulk density of the material is critical to understanding logistics cost for shipping and handling. Bulk density is measured simply using a precision container and scale.

A molecular breakdown of carbon, nitrogen, sulfur, and oxygen (major elements in biomass) can be done using an elemental analyzer.

By heating the sample in an oven and measuring the temperatures at which various changes occur in the ash, it’s possible to understand the impact your feedstock will have on various types of furnace systems, including any impacts related to combustion surfaces and heat exchangers.

Shipping of bulk cargo is regulated by the International Maritime Organization, a specialized agency of the UN. The UN specifies a series of tests to determine the potential of a material to self-heat when shipped in different methods.

Assessing the trace materials in the ash is critical to determine if there are any potential harmful flue gases which may require additional treatment, specical considerations must be made for ash handling, or if elements like potassium or chloride may corrode the equipment (if combusted in a boiler system). Elemental makeup also has an impact on the material’s suitability for use in specialized applications like steel making.

If you’re looking to do more with the torrgas generated in the process than combust in the burner, you may be interested in the makeup of the gas (including elemental and CV analysis) and any condensable oils or tars, as these could provide additional revenue streams for your project.

Determining the ration of hydrogen to organic carbon is critical to determining whether your carbonized product qualifies as biochar, and, if-so, how long it will sequester carbon. Biochar sequestration, when properly qualified, can be sold on carbon markets and offer additional revenue to your project.