Torrefaction of Bamboo

Abstract

Bamboo is a fast growing fibrous plant grown in abundance in India. As a consequence to bamboo flowering, it becomes imperative to find additional ways and means of using bamboo within a short span of time. If not put to immediate use the one other way is to extend the shelf life of the bamboo. The current practices of bamboo usage can only consume a part of the excess bamboo generated thereby opening possibility for other usages. Torrefaction of bamboo is seen as one such possibility that apart from energy densification makes the product resistant to fungal attack. Under one of funded project, torrefaction of bamboo has been successfully attempted on a kiln of I ton/day input capacity. Prior to conceiving the design of the kiln, basic studies have been conducted between 180 and 350°C temperature. Furthermore torrefied bamboo has been characterized for calorific value and elemental balance. Based on the analysis it is found that there is an enhancement in energy density by 20% against raw bamboo between torrefaction temperatures of 250 and 260°C. This 1 Ton/hour kiln has completed successful trials at the laboratory is expected to be located in an industry.