Comparison of Fuels and Effluents Originating from Washing and Hydrothermal Carbonisation of Residual Biomass

Abstract A series of four different biomass feedstock was washed and hydrothermally carbonized at temperatures 50 °C 150–270 for hours, respectively. For the first time both resulting solid liquid products were characterised evaluated in a comprehensive study. Concerning fuel properties, HTC had higher impact on quality than washing. yielded hydrochar with carbon content starting material leading to significant increase heating value, while washing only minor effect elemental composition value. Treatment temperature found have highest LHV composition. Both proved effective reducing potassium chlorine content, earth alkaline, phosphorous silicon removal limited. Process water characterisation revealed that filtrates from are acidic, acidity being increased by HTC. Electrical conductivity effluent correlate amount electrolytes Na, K, Mg Ca feedstock, thereby dependent. COD, BOD 5 TOC values determined is strongly contaminated organic matter. The load significantly effluents. Feedstock type be main influencing factor characteristics rather temperature. Nutrients low concentrations. Graphic