Voltage-Enhanced Processing of Biomass and Biochar

A detailed introduction to voltage-enhanced processing of carbonaceous materials

While there are many well-established biomass processing techniques that are suitable for a variety of different situations, the utilization of voltage-driven techniques for the processing of biomass and biochar has been shown to have advantages for certain applications. Specifically, the field of thermal plasma gasification—where plasma provides the conversion energy—is relied upon in certain commercial equipment that is already available on the market. Crucially, however, the field of non-thermal plasma pyrolysis and gasification—chemical reactions are intensified by the presence of the plasma discharge—is still a developing subject with a great scope for innovation in research and development.

A timely book considering its potential applications in a greener market, Voltage-Enhanced Processing of Biomass and Biochar helpfully provides a detailed description of voltage-enhanced processing of carbonaceous materials. The book explains aspects of this processing method in thermal and non-thermal plasmas, as well as describing the effects of Joule heating as part of the temperature distribution and conversion rate. In many ways, this book presents a detailed description of different processes and plasma discharges currently available, with the provision of experimental and simulation results gathered over years of research and development. Importantly, it also offers many methods by which we can be environmentally friendly when working with biomass and biochar.

Voltage-Enhanced Processing of Biomass and Biochar readers will also find:

• Simulation results of Joule heating of biomass, biochar, and pyrolytic graphite
• Descriptions of thermal plasma torches currently available in the market
• Accounts of the experimental results of conversion utilizing steam plasma
• Comparison of results against provided numerical models that predict synthesis gas composition under the presence of thermal plasma discharge

Voltage-Enhanced Processing of Biomass and Biochar is a useful reference for researchers and practitioners working on applications of plasma for the conversion of biomass and biochar, as well as graduate students studying mechanical, electrical, and chemical engineering.