Page 29 - Refining Biomass Residues for Sustainable Energy and Bioproducts

8 Refining Biomass Residues for Sustainable Energy and Bioproducts

1.3 Biomass pretreatment methods

Biomass pretreatment is the fundamental step in the process of biorefineries in
which the wastes from various origins can be converted into or become favorable
products through the conversion process. Apart from that, it can increase the effi-
ciency of the waste conversion process. Biomass pretreatment could be done by
three different types:
1. Physical methods
a. Thermophysical
b. Mechanical
2. Chemical methods
a. Thermochemical
3. Biological methods
Different methods used for the pretreatment of SWs are shown in Fig. 1.3. Apart
from several methods, pyrolysis is the most commonly used method for the pre-
treatment of wastes. Biomass used for energy conversion is classified into four dif-
ferent categories based on their origin, such as culture for energy purposes, forest
and agricultural residues, organic by-products, and organic wastes. The essential
fundamentals of such a pretreatment innovation can be spread out as follows:
The cost of mass should be as low as the conventional resources like coal.
Ability to manage significant biomass streams.
Not outstandingly sensitive to particle sizes and capacity of dealing with grouped biomass
feedstock. It is likewise an inquiry regarding where the pretreatment ought to be found.

Figure 1.3 Different methods used for the pretreatment of solid wastes.