Transnational Technology NYSERDA
PON No. 489-99
12/13/99
James R. Arcate
Transnational Technology
3447 Pipa Place Honolulu, HI 96822
(808)
988 7502
ABSTRACT
Transnational Technology proposes to use forest and mill residues and other wood wastes to manufacture Torrefied Wood (TW) biofuel, using a process called Airless Drying. Torrefaction is a partial carbonization process that requires moderate temperatures of 270 to 300 degrees C. Applied to biomass it achieves uniform low moisture contents, reduction of mass by 30%, retention of 90% of original energy content and removal of smoke producing agents in the material. Immediate applications for TW include use as a renewable fuel for co-firing with coal in electric power plants. TW could also be used to manufacture solid fuel products such as pellet fuel, compacted fireplace logs and barbeque briquettes for commercial & domestic use. TW is not a new product. During the 1930's in France, the qualities of what was then known as torrefied wood warranted subsidies for research into its production and use in gasifiers. In the 1980’s the French developed industrial equipment for production of TW and expressed considerable interest in TW as a substitute for conventional charcoal. What is new and innovative is our proposal to manufacture TW using a process called Airless Drying. The Ceramic Industry already uses Airless Drying internationally and with the proposed application we believe the bioenergy industry will soon begin to exploit its advantages.