CarbonFX

Introducing CarbonFX: The Cutting Edge in Wood Torrefaction/Carbonization Technology

Combining their expertise in fluid dynamics and heat transfer, Airex Energy has successfully developed an exciting new technology for biomass torrefaction. Based on a unique patented cyclonic bed reactor, CarbonFX enables large scale bio-coal production from a variety of feedstock, including woody biomass and agricultural waste.

What is Torrefaction?

Torrefaction, a mild form of pyrolysis, refers to the heat-treatment of wood or other organic material at 250-320 °C with little or no oxygen present (oxygen is excluded in order to avoid spontaneous combustion). The purpose of torrefaction is to remove moisture and VOCs (volatile organic compounds) from raw biomass, thus converting it to a solid, blackened, hydrophobic (water-resistant) material. The final product, known as torrefied biomass or bio-coal, typically contains 70% of the mass and 90% of the energy content of the pre-treated material.

Why Torrefaction?

Torrefaction produces a solid biofuel that has handling, milling and co-firing capabilities far superior to other solid biofuels.

• Energy Density: Torrefied wood pellets contain 15 GJ/m³ and 23 GJ/tonne. Wood chips with a 50% moisture content contain only 3 GJ/m³ and 9.5 GJ/tone. Non-torrefied wood pellets contain 11 GJ/m³ and 17 GJ/tone.
• Fuel Properties: Torrefied biomass is brittle and so can be easily milled and co-fired with bituminous coal, thus eliminating the need for dedicated biomass equipment like hammer mills, silos, feeding systems, and burners. And because it is hydrophobic, torrefied biomass is significantly less likely to degrade and so requires little or no protection from the elements during shipping and storage.
• Low Cost Feedstock: A wide variety of low-cost feedstock can be successfully torrefied, including forest and mill residue (even bark) and agricultural waste.

Bio-coal? Torrefied Pellets? Torrefied Biomass? Bio-coke? Biochar? What does all this mean?

These are all common names used to describe the end products that can result from various torrefaction processes. Torrefied biomass can be classified according to how it will be used:

• Combustion: Torrefied biomass, with a calorific value of 20-23 GJ/tonne, can be burnt in boilers, kilns, and furnaces. When used for this application, torrefied biomass is referred to as bio-coal, or torrefied pellets if densified.

• Reduction: Torrefied biomass can be used as a reducing agent in iron, ferrous alloy, and silicon metal furnaces, and has a fixed carbon content of at least 80%. When used for this application, torrefied biomass is referred to as bio-coke or biocoke.

• Purification: Torrefied biomass can be used for water, gas, and gold purification, as well as metal extraction. When used for this application, torrefied biomass is referred to as activated biocarbon or activated bio carbon.

• Soil: Torrefied biomass can be used in soil amendment and soil remediation, such as in the rehabilitation of mine tailing sites. When used for this application, torrefied biomass is referred to as biochar.

Simply the Best Torrefaction Technology

CarbonFX technology is simple, reliable, scalable, and highly efficient. By keeping precise control of both reactor temperature and residence time, CarbonFX allows for the production of a wide range of end products with unmatched quality and consistency.

The capital cost of CarbonFX is extremely competitive due to its simplicity and reduced footprint. And being available in capacities ranging from 250kg/hr to 5 tonne/hr, CarbonFX can meet your specific requirements. Whether you are a university looking for R&D equipment or a company looking to produce thousands of tonnes per year, CarbonFX is for you.

Producing Bio-coal Now!

In March 2011, Airex Energy launched its first 250 kg/hr CarbonFX reactor. Many tonnes of torrefied biomass have already been produced and distributed to various clients for testing. If you would like to test our torrefied biomass, please contact Sylvain Bertrand.

Sylvain Bertrand, ing. MBA

Vice-President - Corporate Development
AIREX Énergie, division de Airex Industries inc.

2500, rue Bernard-Lefebvre
Laval (Québec) Canada
H7C 0A5
T.514.351.2303 p.219
sbertrand@airex-energie.com