Investigating the co-firing characteristics of bamboo wastes and coal through cone calorimetry and thermogravimetric analysis coupled with Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy

Abstract

To evaluate the combustion characteristics of raw or torrefied bamboo wastes and coal blends, the co-firing process determined by cone and pollutant emission was investigated by thermogravimetric analysis coupled with Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy. The results showed that torrefaction improved the fuel properties of bamboo wastes. Torrefied bamboo had a lower volatile fuel ratio, H/C and O/C ratios, pollutant emission and a higher heating value. They further affected the co-firing process of raw or torrefied bamboo and coal. All blends had a lower ignition temperature and a more stable flame than coal. Torrefied bamboo and coal blends had a lower percentage of quality loss, a higher heat release rate (HRR), total heat release (THR) and total smoke release (TSR). With an increase in the proportion of torrefied bamboo in the blends, the HRR, THR, TSR and percentage of quality loss increased. The main pollutant emissions included CO2, CO, SO2 and NOx. All blends of torrefied bamboo and coal had a lower pollutant emission. The optimum blend suggested was 20% torrefied bamboo/80% coal.