WO2020217305A1

WO2020217305A1 - Method for producing biomass fuel and biomass fuel

Info

Publication number: WO2020217305A1
Application number: PCT/JP2019/017190
Authority: WO
Inventors: 淳奥田
Original assignee: 岩谷産業株式会社
Priority date: 2019-04-23
Filing date: 2019-04-23
Publication date: 2020-10-29

Abstract

This method for producing a biomass fuel includes: a step (S11) for preparing a plant-derived biomass feedstock; and a step (S13) for washing the biomass feedstock by bringing a washing liquid, which is an aqueous solution of at least one compound selected from the group consisting of a citric acid, a malic acid, and a tartaric acid, into contact with the biomass feedstock.

Description

Biomass fuel manufacturing method and biomass fuel

The present invention relates to a method for producing a biomass fuel and a biomass fuel.

For oil palm (palm palm), the fruits are separated and used. Palm oil is exploited for the pulp contained in the fruit. For the seeds contained in the fruit, palm kernel oil is exploited. After the fruit is removed from the oil palm, the oil palm fruit bunches (Empty Fruit Bumches) are discharged as a residue. Effective use of a large amount of oil palm sky fruit bunches is required. (See, for example, Patent Document 1.)

JP-A-2018-65963

Plant-derived biomass raw materials such as mesocarp fiber (MF), which is contained in the pericarp of EFB and oil palm and is a residue during oil extraction, may be used as fuel. Such plant-derived biomass raw materials are generally burned and used in a heating device of a combustion facility. Here, when a plant-derived biomass raw material is used as a fuel, if a large amount of potassium or chlorine is contained, various problems occur.

For example, when EFB is burned, ash is generated, and potassium and chlorine are contained in this ash. Here, if ash having a high chlorine content adheres to the wall surface of the heating device during combustion, as a result, corrosion of the combustion equipment may be promoted. In addition, if the potassium content is high, a large amount of potassium carbonate and potassium oxide will be generated. Since such carbonates and oxides have a relatively low melting point, they adhere to a superheater provided in the heating device at the time of combustion, and as a result, the thermal efficiency is lowered. Further, low melting point potassium carbonates and oxides also cause a decrease in fuel fluidity during combustion, which leads to an increase in the amount of fluid sand used during combustion. As a result, the frequency of cleaning and maintenance for removing ash and the like increases, which is not preferable from the viewpoint of workability. Furthermore, it will cause cost deterioration such as purchase of new liquid sand. That is, when a plant-derived biomass raw material is used as a fuel, it cannot be effectively used as a fuel in a state containing a large amount of potassium and chlorine.

Therefore, one of the purposes is to provide a method for producing biomass fuel, which can efficiently produce biomass fuel that can be effectively used as fuel.

In addition, one of the purposes is to provide biomass fuel that can be efficiently produced and effectively used as fuel.

The method for producing biomass fuel according to one aspect of the present application includes a step of preparing a plant-derived biomass raw material and a cleaning solution which is an aqueous solution of one or more compounds selected from the group consisting of citric acid, malic acid and tartaric acid. It includes a step of cleaning the biomass raw material by contacting it with the biomass raw material.

The biomass fuel according to another aspect of the present application is a biomass fuel containing a plant-derived biomass raw material, and when the biomass raw material is Abra palm sky fruit bunch, the L ^* value, a ^* value and the L ^* value, a ^* value measured by the color difference meter When the b ^* values satisfy the relationships of L ^* ≧ 45.1, a ^* ≧ 8.5 and b ^* ≧ 21.6, respectively, and the biomass raw material is mesocarp fiber, L ^* measured with a color difference meter ^. When the values, a ^* value and b ^* value satisfy the relationship of L ^* ≧ 32.2, a ^* ≧ 7.3 and b ^* ≧ 15.6, respectively, and the biomass raw material is sugar cane, the color difference meter is used. When the measured L ^* value, a ^* value and b ^* value satisfy the relationships of L ^* ≧ 44.3, a ^* ≧ 4.4 and b ^* ≧ 15.7, respectively, and the biomass raw material is Erianthus. The L ^* value, a ^* value, and b ^* value measured by the color difference meter satisfy the relationships of L ^* ≧ 54.4, a ^* ≧ 6.9, and b ^* ≧ 23.2, respectively.

The biomass fuel according to still another aspect of the present application is a biomass fuel containing a plant-derived biomass raw material, and when the biomass raw material is Abra palm sky fruit bunch, L ^* value and a ^* value measured by a color difference meter. , B ^* value and color difference (hereinafter referred to as untreated product) for unwashed biomass raw material (hereinafter referred to as untreated product) which is an aqueous solution of one or more compounds selected from the group consisting of citric acid, malic acid and tartaric acid. , ΔE) satisfy the relationship of L ^* ≧ 47.7, a ^* ≧ 9.5, b ^* ≧ 22.2 and ΔE ≧ 3.1, respectively, and the biomass raw material is mesocarp fiber. The relationship between L ^* value, a ^* value, b ^* value, and ΔE measured by the color difference meter is L ^* ≧ 37.5, a ^* ≧ 8.0, b ^* ≧ 18.2, and ΔE ≧ 6.5, respectively. When the above conditions are satisfied and the biomass raw material is sugar cane, the L ^* value, a ^* value, b ^* value and ΔE measured by the color difference meter are L ^* ≧ 44.4, a ^* ≧ 5.6 and b ^{*, respectively.} When the relationship of ≧ 17.6 and ΔE ≧ 2.4 is satisfied and the biomass raw material is Erianthus, the L ^* value, a ^* value, b ^* value and ΔE measured by the color difference meter are L ^* ≧, respectively. The relationship of 55.9, a ^* ≧ 7.3, b ^* ≧ 24.5 and ΔE ≧ 2.3 is satisfied.

According to the above-mentioned biomass fuel production method, it is possible to efficiently produce a biomass fuel that can be effectively used as a fuel.

According to the above biomass fuel, it can be efficiently produced and effectively used as fuel.

It is a figure which shows the appearance of the biomass raw material used for the treatment in Embodiment 1. FIG. It is a flowchart which shows the typical structure of the manufacturing method of the biomass fuel in Embodiment 1. It is a figure which shows the appearance of the EFB in the state of being torn by hand. It is a schematic diagram which shows the appearance of the pulverized product of EFB cut by using scissors. It is the schematic which shows a part of the appearance of the shaker used for washing. It is a flowchart which shows the typical structure of the manufacturing method of the biomass fuel in Embodiment 2.

[Explanation of Embodiments of the Invention]
First, embodiments of the present invention will be listed and described. In the method for producing biomass fuel of the present application, a step of preparing a plant-derived biomass raw material and a cleaning liquid which is an aqueous solution of one or more compounds selected from the group consisting of citric acid, malic acid and tartaric acid are brought into contact with the biomass raw material. Includes a step of cleaning the biomass material.

The inventor of the present application has studied the treatment of plant-derived biomass fuel with inorganic acids such as hydrochloric acid (HCl), sulfuric acid (H ₂ SO ₄ ), and nitric acid (HNO ₃ ). However, it must be avoided that the compound contains chlorine to be reduced and that elements such as sulfur and nitrogen, which can cause deterioration of the heating device and pollution of the environment, remain in the residue. I paid attention to. Then, diligent studies were made to reduce potassium and chlorine without using these compounds, and the present invention was constructed.

That is, in the method for producing a biomass fuel of the present application, citric acid (C (OH) (CH ₂ COOH ₂ COOH)), malic acid (HOOC-CH (OH) -CH _2- COOH) and tartaric acid ((CH (OH)). COOH) Includes a step of cleaning the biomass raw material by bringing a cleaning liquid, which is an aqueous solution of one or more compounds selected from the group consisting of ₂ ), into contact with the biomass raw material. Since such a cleaning solution is a relatively strong acid, when the plant-derived biomass raw material is brought into contact with the cleaning solution, it is possible to easily elute the substance inside the cells constituting the plant-derived biomass raw material. Then, by washing with the washing liquid, potassium and chlorine, which are substances inside the cells, can be washed away to reduce the concentration of potassium and chlorine contained in the plant-derived biomass raw material after washing. With such a biomass fuel, it is possible to reduce the concentration of potassium and chlorine in the residue after combustion. Therefore, it is possible to reduce the possibility that the above-mentioned various problems will occur. That is, it is possible to suppress the corrosion of the combustion equipment, suppress the decrease in thermal efficiency due to the low melting point ash, and suppress the decrease in the fluidity of the fuel to improve the maintainability. Further, in addition to reducing the number of cleanings, citric acid, malic acid, and tartaric acid constituting the above-mentioned cleaning liquid can be obtained at a relatively low cost, which is effective from the viewpoint of cost. Furthermore, since citric acid, malic acid and tartaric acid are composed of carbon, hydrogen and oxygen and do not contain chlorine, sulfur or nitrogen, deterioration of the heating device and environmental pollution due to the residual elements such as sulfur and nitrogen in the residue. Can be prevented. As a result, according to such a method for producing biomass fuel, it is possible to produce biomass fuel that can be effectively used as fuel. Citric acid, malic acid and tartaric acid are all polyvalent carboxylic acids having 4 carbon atoms.

In the method for producing biomass fuel, the concentration of the cleaning liquid may be 0.1% by mass or more. By doing so, it becomes easy to reduce the concentration of potassium contained in the biomass fuel. The biomass fuel thus obtained can be used more effectively as a fuel.

In the method for producing biomass fuel, the concentration of the cleaning liquid may be 0.5% by mass or more. By doing so, it becomes easy to further reduce the concentration of potassium contained in the biomass fuel. The biomass fuel thus obtained can be used more effectively as a fuel.

In the method for producing biomass fuel, the concentration of the cleaning liquid may be 2.0% by mass or less. By doing so, it is possible to suppress the concentration of the cleaning liquid from becoming excessively high, and to efficiently produce a biomass fuel that can be effectively used as a fuel at a lower cost.

In the method for producing biomass fuel, in the step of bringing the cleaning liquid into contact with the biomass raw material to clean the biomass raw material, the biomass raw material may be agitated in the cleaning liquid prepared to a predetermined concentration. By doing so, the cleaning liquid and the biomass raw material can be brought into contact with each other for cleaning over the details of the biomass raw material during stirring. Therefore, it is possible to efficiently and evenly produce a biomass fuel having a reduced potassium content.

In the above-mentioned method for producing biomass fuel, a step of crushing the biomass raw material may be included before the step of bringing the cleaning liquid into contact with the biomass raw material to clean the biomass raw material. When the biomass raw material is crushed, the surface area of the biomass raw material to be contacted with the cleaning liquid can be increased. Therefore, when cleaning the biomass raw material, the contact area with the cleaning liquid can be increased to efficiently produce a biomass fuel that can be effectively used as a fuel.

The method for producing biomass fuel may further include a step of washing the biomass fuel with water while the biomass fuel is wet, after the step of bringing the cleaning liquid into contact with the biomass raw material to wash the biomass raw material. By doing so, the components of the cleaning liquid can be washed away with water, and potassium and chlorine can be further eluted in water to reduce the amount. Therefore, it is possible to produce a biomass fuel that can be used more effectively as a fuel.

In the above method for producing a biomass fuel, the plant-derived biomass raw material may contain at least one of oil palm empty fruit bunch, mesocarp fiber, sugar cane and Erianthus. Such biomass fuels are inexpensive and available in large quantities. Therefore, according to such a method for producing biomass fuel, it is possible to inexpensively produce biomass fuel that can be effectively used as fuel. Here, the oil palm empty fruit bunch (EFB) refers to a woody fiber portion constituting the fruit bunch portion from which the flesh and seeds have been removed from the oil palm. The biomass fuel obtained after cleaning can be efficiently used as biomass fuel if it is dried after cleaning, that is, in a state where water is removed as much as possible.

The biomass fuel according to the present application, in which the relationship between the biomass raw material and L ^* , a ^* , and b ^* has the above relationship, can be efficiently produced and effectively used as fuel.

The biomass fuel according to still another aspect of the present application is a biomass fuel containing a plant-derived biomass raw material, and when the biomass raw material is Abra palm sky fruit bunch, L ^* value and a ^* value measured by a color difference meter. , B ^* values and ΔE satisfy the relationships of L ^* ≧ 47.7, a ^* ≧ 9.5, b ^* ≧ 22.2 and ΔE ≧ 3.1, respectively, and the biomass raw material is mesocarp fiber. L ^* value, a ^* value, b ^* value and ΔE measured by the color difference meter are L ^* ≧ 37.5, a ^* ≧ 8.0, b ^* ≧ 18.2 and ΔE ≧ 6.5, respectively. When the relationship is satisfied and the biomass raw material is sugar cane, the L ^* value, a ^* value, b ^* value and ΔE measured by the color difference meter are L ^* ≧ 44.4, a ^* ≧ 5.6, b, respectively. ^When the relationship of ^* ≧ 17.6 and ΔE ≧ 2.4 is satisfied and the biomass raw material is Erianthus, the L ^* value, a ^* value, b ^* value and ΔE measured by the color difference meter are L ^*, respectively ^. The relationship of ≧ 55.9, a ^* ≧ 7.3, b ^* ≧ 24.5 and ΔE ≧ 2.3 is satisfied.

The biomass fuel according to the present application, in which the relationship between the biomass raw material and L ^* , a ^* , b ^* , and ΔE has the above relationship, can be more effectively used as fuel.

[Details of Embodiments of the present invention]
Next, a method for producing the biomass fuel of the present application and an embodiment of the biomass fuel will be described with reference to the drawings. In the following drawings, the same or corresponding parts are designated by the same reference numerals, and the description thereof will not be repeated.

(Embodiment 1)
FIG. 1 is a diagram showing the appearance of the biomass raw material used for the treatment in the first embodiment. With reference to FIG. 1, EFB (Empty Fruit Buchets) 11 is used as the plant-derived biomass raw material in the first embodiment. EFB11 is discharged as a residue after the fruit is removed from the oil palm. EFB11 is composed of a plurality of intricately intertwined fibrous substances.

FIG. 2 is a flowchart showing a typical configuration of the method for producing biomass fuel in the first embodiment. With reference to FIG. 2, first, EFB11 is prepared as a plant-derived biomass raw material (S11 in FIG. 2). Here, the EFB 11 shown in FIG. 1 is prepared.

EFB11 is crushed before cleaning. That is, the method for producing biomass fuel in the first embodiment includes a step of crushing the biomass raw material before the step of bringing the cleaning liquid described later into contact with the biomass raw material to clean the biomass raw material (S12). Specifically, for example, after tearing it to a certain size by hand or the like, it is cut to a length of about 1 cm using scissors or the like. FIG. 3 is a diagram showing the appearance of the EFB 11 in a state of being torn by hand. FIG. 4 is a schematic view showing the appearance of the pulverized product 12 of EFB 11 cut using scissors.

Next, the biomass raw material is washed by contacting the cleaning liquid, which is an aqueous solution of one or more compounds selected from the group consisting of citric acid, malic acid, and tartaric acid, with the biomass raw material (S13). In the present embodiment, an aqueous citric acid solution is prepared as a cleaning solution. Citric acid (C (OH) (CH ₂ COOH ₂ COOH)) consists of carbon, hydrogen and oxygen. The citric acid aqueous solution is prepared, for example, by dissolving citric acid in water so that the citric acid aqueous solution has a predetermined concentration. Specifically, for example, the concentration of the citric acid aqueous solution is 0.1% by mass or more. More preferably, the concentration of the citric acid aqueous solution is 0.5% by mass or more. Further, the concentration of the citric acid aqueous solution is set to 2.0% by mass or less. Specifically, the concentration of the citric acid aqueous solution is 1.0% by mass.

The EFB11 is washed using the EFB11 and the citric acid aqueous solution pulverized to a predetermined size prepared in this manner. FIG. 5 is a schematic view showing a part of the appearance of the shaker 13 used for washing. With reference to FIG. 5, in the method for producing biomass fuel in the first embodiment, the citric acid aqueous solution is brought into contact with the EFB 11 to wash the EFB 11. Cleaning is performed as follows. The citric acid aqueous solution prepared to a predetermined concentration is placed in a sealable container 14 which is later set in the shaker 13, and the EFB 11 is further charged into the container 14. The amount of EFB11 to be added is 2.5 g with respect to 250 ml of the citric acid aqueous solution. Here, the temperature of the citric acid aqueous solution may be room temperature or may be heated to around 100 ° C. Specifically, for example, an aqueous citric acid solution heated to about 60 ° C. is prepared, and EFB11 cut into a length of about 1 cm is charged. After that, the container 14 is covered and sealed.

Next, shake the container 14 to stir for a predetermined time. The stirring is performed by repeatedly shaking in the vertical direction using the shaker 13. Specifically, the stirring by the shaker 13 is performed for 10 minutes with the shaker set value set to 290 rpm. After stirring, EFB11 is taken out from the citric acid aqueous solution to obtain biomass fuel.

The obtained biomass fuel should be dried as needed. As for drying, natural drying may be performed, or EFB11 taken out from the citric acid aqueous solution may be dried by applying heat. The citric acid aqueous solution may be reused for cleaning the separately prepared EFB11.

In the method for producing biomass fuel according to the first embodiment, since the citric acid aqueous solution as a cleaning liquid is a relatively strong acid, when the EFB 11 and the citric acid aqueous solution are brought into contact with each other, the substance in the cells constituting the EFB 11 is eluted. It can be made easier. Then, by washing with an aqueous citric acid solution, potassium and chlorine, which are substances inside the cells, can be washed away to reduce the concentration of potassium and chlorine contained in EFB11 after washing. With such EFB11, the content concentration of potassium and chlorine in the residue after combustion can be lowered. Therefore, it is possible to reduce the possibility that the above-mentioned various problems will occur. That is, it is possible to suppress the corrosion of the combustion equipment, suppress the decrease in thermal efficiency due to the low melting point ash, and suppress the decrease in the fluidity of the fuel to improve the maintainability. In addition to reducing the number of cleanings, citric acid can be obtained at a relatively low cost, which is effective from the viewpoint of cost. Furthermore, since citric acid is composed of carbon, hydrogen and oxygen and does not contain chlorine, sulfur or nitrogen, it is possible to prevent deterioration of the heating device and environmental pollution due to the residual elements such as sulfur and nitrogen in the residue. As a result, according to such a method for producing biomass fuel, it is possible to produce biomass fuel that can be effectively used as fuel.

In this embodiment, the concentration of the citric acid aqueous solution is 0.1% by mass or more. Specifically, the concentration of the citric acid aqueous solution is 0.5% by mass or more and 2.0% by mass or less. By setting the concentration of the citric acid aqueous solution to 0.1% by mass or more, it becomes easy to reduce the concentration of potassium contained in the biomass fuel after cleaning. By setting the concentration of the citric acid aqueous solution to 0.5% by mass or more, it becomes easy to further reduce the concentration of potassium contained in the biomass fuel after cleaning. The biomass fuel thus obtained can be used more effectively as a fuel. Further, by setting the concentration of the citric acid aqueous solution to 2.0% by mass or less, it is possible to suppress the concentration of the citric acid aqueous solution from becoming excessively high, and to obtain a biomass fuel that can be effectively used as a fuel at a lower cost. It can be manufactured efficiently.

In the present embodiment, since the step of pulverizing the EFB 11 is included before the step of bringing the citric acid aqueous solution into contact with the EFB 11 to wash the EFB 11, the surface area of the EFB 11 to be the object of contact with the citric acid aqueous solution is increased. can do. Therefore, it is possible to efficiently produce a biomass fuel that can be effectively used as a fuel by increasing the contact area with the citric acid aqueous solution when cleaning the EFB 11.

In the present embodiment, citric acid is dissolved in water to obtain an aqueous citric acid solution, but the present invention is not limited to this, and another citric acid compound is dissolved in water to obtain an aqueous citric acid solution. You may get it.

(Embodiment 2)
In the method for producing biomass fuel of the present application, after the step of contacting the cleaning liquid with the biomass raw material to wash the biomass raw material, a step of washing the biomass fuel with water while the biomass fuel is wet may be further included. FIG. 6 is a flowchart showing a typical configuration of the method for producing biomass fuel according to the second embodiment. With reference to FIG. 2, since S11 to S13 are the same as the steps in the first embodiment, their description will be omitted. After S13, that is, after the step of bringing the cleaning liquid into contact with the biomass raw material to wash the biomass raw material, the biomass fuel is washed with water while the biomass fuel is wet. Specifically, for example, after cleaning, the biomass fuel is taken out from the cleaning liquid, and the biomass fuel is put into water stored in a predetermined container in a wet state and washed with water by stirring. The biomass fuel taken out from the cleaning liquid may be washed with running water by exposing it to running water. By doing so, the components of the cleaning liquid can be washed away with water, and potassium and chlorine can be further eluted in water to reduce the amount. Therefore, it is possible to produce a biomass fuel that can be used more effectively as a fuel. The step of washing with water may be performed a plurality of times as needed. Further, the water after washing with water contains a small amount of citric acid when the washing liquid is an aqueous solution of citric acid. For example, this citric acid can be collected as a compound such as calcium citrate and effectively used as a fertilizer or the like.

(Embodiment 3)
In the above-described first embodiment, the citric acid aqueous solution is used as the cleaning liquid for washing the EFB11 as the plant-derived biomass raw material, but the present invention is not limited to this, and the malic acid aqueous solution is used as the cleaning liquid in the third embodiment. It may be that. Malic acid is also a relatively strong acid. It can also be obtained at low cost. Therefore, by using the malic acid aqueous solution as a cleaning liquid for cleaning plant-derived biomass raw materials, it is possible to efficiently produce a biomass fuel that can be effectively used as a fuel.

(Embodiment 4)
In the above-described first embodiment, the citric acid aqueous solution is used as the cleaning liquid for cleaning the EFB11 as the plant-derived biomass raw material, but the present invention is not limited to this, and the tartaric acid aqueous solution is used as the cleaning liquid in the fourth embodiment. May be. Tartaric acid is also a relatively strong acid. It can also be obtained at low cost. Therefore, by using the tartaric acid aqueous solution as a cleaning liquid for cleaning plant-derived biomass raw materials, it is possible to efficiently produce a biomass fuel that can be effectively used as a fuel.

(Other embodiments)
In the above embodiment, as a step of contacting the cleaning liquid with the biomass raw material to clean the biomass raw material, the biomass raw material is put into the cleaning liquid and stirred, but the present invention is not limited to this, for example. The biomass raw material may be washed by contacting the biomass raw material with the cleaning liquid by spraying the cleaning liquid on the surface.

Further, in the above embodiment, EFB11 is used as the plant-derived biomass raw material, but it can also be applied to other plant-derived biomass raw materials. That is, for example, mesocarp fiber using palm palm as a starting material may be applied as a plant-derived biomass raw material, sugar cane may be applied, or Erianthus may be applied. That is, the plant-derived biomass material may contain at least one of palm palm empty fruit bunch (EFB), mesocarp fiber (MF), sugar cane and Erianthus. Such biomass fuels are inexpensive and available in large quantities. Therefore, according to such a method for producing biomass fuel, it is possible to inexpensively produce biomass fuel that can be effectively used as fuel. The MF, sugar cane and Erianthus may also be crushed to a predetermined size, if necessary. Of course, other plant-derived biomass raw materials may be used.

In the above embodiment, a surfactant may be added to the cleaning liquid as needed. Further, the step of crushing may not be particularly performed if it can be omitted.

Further, as the cleaning liquid to be used, citric acid, malic acid, and tartaric acid are used alone in the above-described embodiment, but the present invention is not limited to this, and a mixture of citric acid and malic acid and a mixture of citric acid and tartaric acid. , A mixture of malic acid and tartaric acid, and an aqueous solution of a mixture of citric acid, malic acid and tartaric acid may be used as a cleaning solution. That is, the cleaning solution in the present application may be an aqueous solution of one or more compounds selected from the group consisting of citric acid, malic acid and tartaric acid.

The biomass fuel according to the present application has the following constitution. That is, the biomass fuel includes plant-derived biomass fuel. When the biomass raw material is Abra palm empty fruit bunch, the L ^* value, a ^* value and b ^* value measured by the color difference meter are L ^* ≧ 45.1, a ^* ≧ 8.5 and b ^* ≧ 21, respectively. When the relationship of .6 is satisfied and the biomass raw material is mesocarp fiber, the L ^* value, a ^* value and b ^* value measured by the color difference meter are L ^* ≧ 32.2 and a ^* ≧ 7, respectively. When the relationship of 3 and b ^* ≧ 15.6 is satisfied and the biomass raw material is sugar cane, the L ^* value, a ^* value and b ^* value measured by the color difference meter are L ^* ≧ 44.3 and a, respectively. ^When the relationship of ^* ≧ 4.4 and b ^* ≧ 15.7 is satisfied and the biomass raw material is Erianthus, the L ^* value, a ^* value and b ^* value measured by the color difference meter are L ^* ≧, respectively. The relationship of 54.4, a ^* ≧ 6.9 and b ^* ≧ 23.2 is satisfied.

A biomass fuel in which the relationship between the biomass raw material and the color values L ^* , a ^* , and b ^* has the above relationship can be efficiently produced and effectively used as a fuel.

In addition, the biomass fuel according to the present application has the following constitution. That is, the biomass fuel contains a plant-derived biomass raw material. When the biomass raw material is Abra palm empty fruit bunch, the L ^* value, a ^* value, b ^* value and ΔE measured by the color difference meter are L ^* ≧ 47.7, a ^* ≧ 9.5, b ^{*, respectively.} When the relationship of ≧ 22.2 and ΔE ≧ 3.1 is satisfied and the biomass raw material is mesocarp fiber, the L ^* value, a ^* value, b ^* value and ΔE measured by the color difference meter are L ^*, respectively ^. When the relationship of ≧ 37.5, a ^* ≧ 8.0, b ^* ≧ 18.2 and ΔE ≧ 6.5 is satisfied and the biomass raw material is sugar cane, the L ^* value measured by the color difference meter, a ^*. When the values, b ^* values and ΔE satisfy the relationships of L ^* ≧ 44.4, a ^* ≧ 5.6, b ^* ≧ 17.6 and ΔE ≧ 2.4, respectively, and the biomass raw material is Erianthus. L ^* value, a ^* value, b ^* value and ΔE measured by the color difference meter are L ^* ≧ 55.9, a ^* ≧ 7.3, b ^* ≧ 24.5 and ΔE ≧ 2.3, respectively. Meet the relationship.

A biomass fuel having the above-mentioned relationship between the biomass raw material and the color values L ^* , a ^* , b ^* and the color difference ΔE can be more effectively used as fuel.

A sample of the biomass fuel produced by the above-mentioned method for producing the biomass fuel of the present application was prepared, and an evaluation was performed to confirm the effect of reducing potassium and chlorine. The evaluation procedure is as follows.

(Example 1)
EFB was prepared as a plant-derived biomass raw material and cut using scissors so that the fiber length was about 1 cm. 250 ml of an aqueous citric acid solution was prepared as a cleaning solution with respect to 2.5 g of EFB. The concentration of the citric acid aqueous solution was 0.1% by mass. EFB was put into an aqueous citric acid solution, and the mixture was stirred for 10 minutes with the set value of the shaker set to 290 rpm. Then, the EFB was taken out from the citric acid aqueous solution to obtain the biomass fuel according to Example 1. The obtained biomass fuel was dried at 107 ° C., and then the potassium concentration and the chlorine concentration were measured. The potassium concentration was quantitatively analyzed by inductively coupled plasma emission spectroscopy. The chlorine concentration was quantitatively analyzed by ion chromatograph analysis. The results are shown in Table 1. The potassium concentration and chlorine concentration were measured in the same manner in the following Examples and Comparative Examples, and the results are shown in Table 1.

(Example 2)
In the method for producing a biomass fuel in Example 1, the biomass fuel according to Example 2 was obtained in the same process as in Example 1 except that the concentration of the citric acid aqueous solution was set to 0.5% by mass.

(Example 3)
In the method for producing biomass fuel in Example 1, the biomass fuel according to Example 3 was obtained in the same process as in Example 1 except that the concentration of the citric acid aqueous solution was 1.0% by mass.

(Example 4)
In the method for producing biomass fuel in Example 1, the biomass fuel according to Example 4 was obtained in the same process as in Example 1 except that the concentration of the citric acid aqueous solution was set to 2.0% by mass.

(Example 5)
In the method for producing biomass fuel in Example 2, the biomass fuel according to Example 5 was obtained in the same process as in Example 2 except that the citric acid aqueous solution was used as the malic acid aqueous solution.

(Example 6)
In the method for producing biomass fuel in Example 2, the biomass fuel according to Example 6 was obtained in the same process as in Example 2 except that the citric acid aqueous solution was used as a tartaric acid aqueous solution.

(Example 7)
In the method for producing biomass fuel in Example 2, the biomass fuel according to Example 7 was obtained in the same process as in Example 2 except that EFB as a biomass raw material was used as mesocarp fiber (MF).

(Example 8)
In the method for producing biomass fuel in Example 2, the biomass fuel according to Example 8 was obtained in the same process as in Example 2 except that EFB, which is a biomass raw material, was used as sugar cane.

(Example 9)
In the method for producing biomass fuel in Example 2, the biomass fuel according to Example 9 was obtained in the same process as in Example 2 except that EFB, which is a biomass raw material, was used as Erianthus.

(Comparative Example 1)
In the method for producing biomass fuel in Example 1, a step similar to that in Example 1 was applied to Comparative Example 1 except that an aqueous citric acid solution was not used, that is, water was used instead of the aqueous citric acid solution and washing with water was performed. The biomass fuel was obtained.

(Comparative Example 2)
In the method for producing a biomass fuel in Example 2, the biomass fuel according to Comparative Example 2 was obtained in the same process as in Example 2 except that hexane was used instead of the aqueous citric acid solution.

(Comparative Example 3)
In the method for producing biomass fuel in Example 7, the same process as in Example 7 was carried out in Comparative Example 3 except that the citric acid aqueous solution was not used, that is, water was used instead of the citric acid aqueous solution and washing with water was performed. The biomass fuel was obtained.

(Comparative Example 4)
In the method for producing biomass fuel in Example 8, the same process as in Example 8 was carried out in Comparative Example 4 except that an aqueous citric acid solution was not used, that is, water was used instead of the aqueous citric acid solution and washing with water was performed. The biomass fuel was obtained.

(Comparative Example 5)
In the method for producing biomass fuel in Example 9, the same process as in Example 9 was carried out in Comparative Example 5 except that an aqueous citric acid solution was not used, that is, water was used instead of the aqueous citric acid solution and washing with water was performed. The biomass fuel was obtained.

With reference to Examples 1 to 4, Comparative Example 1 and Comparative Example 2 in Table 1, when the EFB was washed with an aqueous citric acid solution, the maximum potassium concentration was 0.245 mass of Example 1. %. In particular, in Example 2, Example 3 and Example 4 in which the concentrations of the citric acid aqueous solution were 0.5% by mass, 1.0% by mass and 2.0% by mass, the potassium concentration was less than 0.200% by mass, respectively. ing. In particular, in Example 3 in which the concentration of the citric acid aqueous solution is 1.0% by mass, the concentration of potassium is the lowest, 0.140% by mass, which is less than 0.150% by mass. In addition, the chlorine concentration was 0.046 to 0.053% by mass in all the examples, which was sufficiently low for use as a biomass fuel. Therefore, it is preferable that the concentration of the citric acid aqueous solution is 0.5% by mass or more and 2.0% by mass or less. On the other hand, in the case of Comparative Example 1 using water, the concentration of potassium was 0.880% by mass, and the residual concentration of potassium was large. Further, in the case of Comparative Example 2 using hexane, the concentration of potassium was 0.650% by mass, and the residual concentration of potassium was still sufficiently high. In such a biomass fuel, for example, since the amount of potassium contained in the ash after combustion is large, various problems may occur.

Also in the case of Example 5 using the malic acid aqueous solution, the potassium concentration was less than 0.300% by mass, specifically 0.269% by mass, and the case of Comparative Example 1 washed with water only and the case of washing with hexane. It is significantly lower than that of Comparative Example 2. Also in the case of Example 6 using the tartaric acid aqueous solution, the concentration of potassium was less than 0.300% by mass, specifically 0.260% by mass, and the case of Comparative Example 1 washed with water only and the case of washing with hexane. It is significantly lower than that of Comparative Example 2.

In the case of Example 7 in which mesocarp fiber (MF) was used instead of EFB as a plant-derived biomass raw material, the potassium concentration was drastically reduced from 0.626% by mass before washing to 0.043% by mass. On the other hand, in the case of Comparative Example 3 in which the MF was washed with water only, the concentration of potassium was 0.093% by mass, and the residual concentration of potassium was still sufficiently higher than in the case of Example 7.

In the case of Example 8 in which sugar cane was used instead of EFB as a plant-derived biomass raw material, the potassium concentration was drastically reduced from 0.346% by mass before washing to 0.109% by mass. On the other hand, in the case of Comparative Example 4 in which sugarcane was washed with water only, the concentration of potassium was 0.168% by mass, and the residual concentration of potassium was still sufficiently higher than in the case of Example 8.

In the case of Example 9 in which Erianthus was used instead of EFB as a plant-derived biomass raw material, the potassium concentration was drastically reduced from 1.850% by mass before washing to 0.065% by mass. On the other hand, in the case of Comparative Example 5 in which the Erianthus was washed with water only, the potassium concentration was 0.239% by mass, and the residual concentration of potassium was still sufficiently higher than in the case of Example 9.

As described above, according to the method for producing biomass fuel of the present application, it is possible to efficiently produce biomass fuel that can be effectively used as fuel.

In addition, Example 1, Example 2, Example 3, Example 7, Example 8, Example 9, Example 10, Example 11, Example 12, Example 13, Example 14, Example 15, The color values and color differences of the biomass fuels according to Example 16, Comparative Example 6, Comparative Example 7, Comparative Example 8 and Comparative Example 9 were measured using a colorimetric color difference meter. Examples 10 to 16 are within the scope of the present invention. As the colorimetric color difference meter, the measurement was performed using a colorimetric color difference meter (manufactured by Nippon Denshoku Industries Co., Ltd .: ZE-2000). As an object to be measured, for Examples 1 to 16, 2.5 g of a sample was immersed in a treatment liquid heated to 60 ° C., treated by shaking for 10 minutes, and then filtered through a 2 mm mesh. The one remaining on the mesh was used. For Comparative Examples 6 to 9, untreated products, that is, products that had not been treated with water or the like were used. For Comparative Examples 6 to 9, a sample cut to about 0.5 to 2 cm was used as a measurement object. As the measurement conditions, each object to be measured was dried in an environment of 107 ° C. for 16 hours, pulverized, and sieved. For the sample that passed through the 1 mm mesh, the color value and the color difference were measured by a color difference meter. The results are shown in Table 2. The contents of Examples 10 to 16 are as follows. Comparative Examples 6 to 9 were not treated and were measured for each biomass raw material. The measurement was performed three times for each sample, and the average value was derived.

(Example 10)
In the method for producing biomass fuel in Example 1, the biomass fuel according to Example 10 was obtained in the same process as in Example 1 except that the concentration of the citric acid aqueous solution was set to 0.3% by mass.

(Example 11)
In the method for producing biomass fuel in Example 7, the biomass fuel according to Example 11 was obtained in the same process as in Example 7 except that the concentration of the citric acid aqueous solution was set to 0.3% by mass.

(Example 12)
In the method for producing biomass fuel in Example 7, the biomass fuel according to Example 12 was obtained in the same process as in Example 7 except that the concentration of the citric acid aqueous solution was set to 1.0% by mass.

(Example 13)
In the method for producing biomass fuel in Example 8, the biomass fuel according to Example 13 was obtained in the same process as in Example 8 except that the concentration of the citric acid aqueous solution was set to 0.3% by mass.

(Example 14)
In the method for producing biomass fuel in Example 8, the biomass fuel according to Example 14 was obtained in the same process as in Example 8 except that the concentration of the citric acid aqueous solution was set to 1.0% by mass.

(Example 15)
In the method for producing biomass fuel in Example 9, the biomass fuel according to Example 15 was obtained in the same process as in Example 9 except that the concentration of the citric acid aqueous solution was set to 0.3% by mass.

(Example 16)
In the method for producing biomass fuel in Example 9, the biomass fuel according to Example 16 was obtained in the same process as in Example 9 except that the concentration of the citric acid aqueous solution was 1.0% by mass.

With reference to Table 2, when the biomass raw material is EFB, the L ^* value, a ^* value and b ^* value measured by the colorimetric color difference meter are L ^* ≧ 45.1 and a ^* , respectively ^. The relationship of ≧ 8.5 and b ^* ≧ 21.6 is satisfied. When the biomass raw material is mesocarp fiber, the L ^* value, a ^* value, and b ^* value measured by the colorimetric color difference meter are L ^* ≧ 32.2 and a ^* ≧ 7.3, respectively. b ^* ≧ 15.6 is satisfied. When the biomass raw material is sugar cane, the L ^* value, a ^* value, and b ^* value measured by the colorimetric color difference meter are L ^* ≧ 44.3, a ^* ≧ 4.4, and b ^{*, respectively.} The relationship of ≧ 15.7 is satisfied. When the biomass raw material is Erianthus, the L ^* value, a ^* value, and b ^* value measured by the colorimetric color difference meter are L ^* ≧ 54.4, a ^* ≧ 6.9, and b, respectively. ^* Satisfy the relationship of ≧ 23.2. Such biomass fuel can be efficiently produced and effectively used as fuel. On the other hand, none of the comparative examples satisfy the above relationship.

In addition, when the biomass raw material is Abra palm empty fruit bunch, ΔE measured by the color difference meter satisfies the relationship of ΔE ≧ 3.1 in all the examples, and when the biomass raw material is mesocarp fiber, the example is In each case, when ΔE measured by the color difference meter satisfies the relationship of ΔE ≧ 6.5 and the biomass raw material is sugar cane, in each of the examples, ΔE measured by the color difference meter has a relationship of ΔE ≧ 2.4. When the above is satisfied and the biomass raw material is Erianthus, ΔE measured by the color difference meter satisfies the relationship of ΔE ≧ 2.3 in all the examples.

Further, preferably, when the biomass raw material is Abra palm empty fruit bunch, the L ^* value, a ^* value, b ^* value and ΔE measured by the color difference meter are L ^* ≧ 47.7 and a ^* ≧ 9, respectively. When the relationship of .5, b ^* ≧ 22.2 and ΔE ≧ 3.1 is satisfied and the biomass raw material is mesocarp fiber, the L ^* value, a ^* value, b ^* value and ΔE measured by the color difference meter are used. L ^* ≧ 37.5, a ^* ≧ 8.0, b ^* ≧ 18.2 and ΔE ≧ 6.5, respectively, and when the biomass raw material is sugar cane, L measured with a color difference meter ^* Value, a ^* value, b ^* value and ΔE satisfy the relationship of L ^* ≧ 44.4, a ^* ≧ 5.6, b ^* ≧ 17.6 and ΔE ≧ 2.4, respectively, and the biomass raw material is the area. In the case of NASUS, the L ^* value, a ^* value, b ^* value and ΔE measured by the color difference meter are L ^* ≧ 55.9, a ^* ≧ 7.3, b ^* ≧ 24.5 and ΔE, respectively. It is configured to satisfy the relationship of ≧ 2.3.

It should be understood that the embodiments disclosed this time are examples in all respects and are not restrictive in any respect. The scope of the present invention is not defined as described above, but is indicated by the claims, and is intended to include all modifications within the meaning and scope equivalent to the claims.

The method for producing biomass fuel and the biomass fuel of the present application are particularly advantageously applied when efficient production of biomass fuel that can be effectively used as fuel is required.

11 EFB, 12 crushed material, 13 shaker, 14 container.

Claims

The process of preparing plant-derived biomass raw materials and
A method for producing a biomass fuel, which comprises a step of contacting a cleaning liquid which is an aqueous solution of one or more compounds selected from the group consisting of citric acid, malic acid and tartaric acid with the biomass raw material to wash the biomass raw material.
The method for producing a biomass fuel according to claim 1, wherein the concentration of the cleaning liquid is 0.1% by mass or more.
The method for producing a biomass fuel according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the concentration of the cleaning liquid is 0.5% by mass or more.
The method for producing a biomass fuel according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein the concentration of the cleaning liquid is 2.0% by mass or less.
The step of bringing the cleaning liquid into contact with the biomass raw material to wash the biomass raw material, wherein the biomass raw material is agitated in the cleaning liquid prepared to a predetermined concentration, according to any one of claims 1 to 4. The method for producing a biomass fuel according to the above.
The biomass fuel according to any one of claims 1 to 5, further comprising a step of crushing the biomass raw material before the step of bringing the cleaning liquid into contact with the biomass raw material to wash the biomass raw material. Production method.
Any one of claims 1 to 6, further comprising a step of bringing the cleaning liquid into contact with the biomass raw material to wash the biomass raw material and then washing the biomass fuel with water while the biomass fuel is wet. The method for producing biomass fuel according to the section.
The method for producing a biomass fuel according to any one of claims 1 to 7, wherein the biomass raw material contains at least one of oil palm empty fruit bunch, mesocarp fiber, sugar cane and Erianthus.
Biomass fuel containing plant-derived biomass raw materials
When the biomass raw material is oil palm empty fruit bunch, the L * value, a * value and b * value measured by the colorimetric color difference meter are L * ≧ 45.1, a * ≧ 8.5 and b * ≧, respectively. Satisfy the relationship of 21.6,
When the biomass raw material is mesocarp fiber, the L * value, a * value and b * value measured by the colorimetric color difference meter are L * ≧ 32.2, a * ≧ 7.3 and b * ≧ 15, respectively. Satisfy the relationship of .6,
When the biomass raw material is sugar cane, the L * value, a * value and b * value measured by the colorimetric color difference meter are L * ≧ 44.3, a * ≧ 4.4 and b * ≧ 15.7, respectively. Meet the relationship,
When the biomass raw material is Erianthus, the L * value, a * value and b * value measured by the colorimetric color difference meter are L * ≧ 54.4, a * ≧ 6.9 and b * ≧ 23, respectively. Biomass fuel that satisfies the relationship of 2.
Biomass fuel containing plant-derived biomass raw materials
When the biomass raw material is oil palm empty fruit bunch, the L * value, a * value, b * value measured by the color difference meter and ΔE, which is the color difference with respect to the untreated product, are L * ≧ 47.7 and a, respectively. The relationship of * ≧ 9.5, b * ≧ 22.2 and ΔE ≧ 3.1 is satisfied.
When the biomass raw material is mesocarp fiber, the L * value, a * value, b * value and ΔE measured by the color difference meter are L * ≧ 37.5, a * ≧ 8.0 and b *, respectively. Satisfying the relationship of ≧ 18.2 and ΔE ≧ 6.5,
When the biomass raw material is sugar cane, the L * value, a * value, b * value and ΔE measured by the color difference meter are L * ≧ 44.4, a * ≧ 5.6, and b * ≧ 17, respectively. Satisfy the relationship of 0.6 and ΔE ≧ 2.4,
When the biomass raw material is Erianthus, the L * value, a * value, b * value, and ΔE measured by the color difference meter are L * ≧ 55.9, a * ≧ 7.3, and b * ≧, respectively. A biomass fuel that satisfies the relationship of 24.5 and ΔE ≧ 2.3.