Comprehensive Thermal Analysis of Torrefied Larch Wood. P. 171–180

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662.81

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https://doi.org/10.37482/0536-1036-2026-4-171-180

Abstract

The production of torrefied biomass is a strategically important area for diversifying the Russian forestry sector’s product range. Torrefied biomass is produced by the thermochemical biomass conversion in an oxygen-limited environment. High energy density, hydrophobicity, and resistance to biological degradation are among the advantages of torrefied biomass over raw biomass. The research is aimed at carrying out a comprehensive thermal analysis of the energy potential and thermal degradation parameters of torrefied biofuel produced from larch wood. The paper presents the characteristics of torrefied biomass, its elemental and compositional structure, and its metal oxide content. Pyrolysis gas chromatography-mass spectrometry determined the main organic compounds present in pyrolysis vapors at five different temperature settings (ranging from 200 to 600 °C with a 100 °C step) during processing. The temperature ranges for moisture loss and the combustion of fuel and coke residue were determined using thermogravimetry and differential thermogravimetry in an inert (argon) and air atmosphere at a heating rate of 10 °C/min. The release of high-calorie components and the greatest heat release occur in the 400–500 °C temperature range. It has been found that torrefaction produces a fuel with higher energy efficiency and improved fuel properties compared to solid wood. The results have practical significance for assessing the potential of torrefied biomass as a high-calorific-value solid biofuel for energy recovery at biofuel boiler plants in the Arctic region and provide a basis for further research in this area.

Funding: The research was financially supported by the Ministry of Science and Higher Education of the Russian Federation, Project No. FSRU-2024-0007.

Acknowledgments: The Core Facility Center “Arktika” at the Northern (Arctic) Federal University named after M.V. Lomonosov provided the scientific equipment for the research.

Authors

Anton A. Gromov*, Postgraduate Student; ResearcherID: LQK-6780-2024, ORCID: https://orcid.org/0009-0000-0575-8820
Michael S. Ivanov, Postgraduate Student; ResearcherID: NGS-2813-2025, ORCID: https://orcid.org/0009-0002-9507-5496
Pavel D. Alekseev, Head of Laboratory; ResearcherID: KBA-5698-2024, ORCID: https://orcid.org/0000-0003-0468-2101
Pavel A. Maryandyshev, Doctor of Engineering, Prof.; ResearcherID: E-7880-2016, ORCID: https://orcid.org/0000-0002-3880-8289

Affiliation

Northern (Arctic) Federal University named after M.V. Lomonosov, Arkhangelsk, Russia; gromov.a@edu.narfu.ru, ivanov_ms@vk.com, p.alekseev@narfu.ru, p.marjyandishev@narfu.ru

Keywords

larch wood, forest industry complex, torrefied biomass, gas chromatography, pyrolysis, thermogravimetry

For citation

Gromov A.A., Ivanov M.S., Alekseev P.D., Maryandyshev P.A. Comprehensive Thermal Analysis of Torrefied Larch Wood. Lesnoy Zhurnal = Russian Forestry Journal, 2026, no. 4, pp. 171–180. (In Russ.). https://doi.org/10.37482/0536-1036-2026-4-171-180

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