ABSTRACT

Torrefaction is a mild thermal pretreatment and refinement process presently attracting extensive interest and attention. Operating temperatures are between 200 and 350◦C and it quite closely resembles the process of roasting coffee beans. Thereby the word torrefaction, which is simply French for roasting. The resulting torrefied biomass (Fig. 7.1) is an excellent solid energy carrier and product intermediate between biomass and charcoal, exhibiting several advantages in terms of improved inherent material characteristics. Table 7.1 is a compilation of both advantages typically claimed to be in favor of torrefaction and some aspects against or that need further development for torrefaction to gain commercial success.