Torrefaction of Plantain (Musa paradisiaca) Fruit Bunch Biomass

This study presents the effects of torrefaction conditions on the characteristics of the solid torrefied product from plantain fruit bunch biomass consisting of plantain fruit peel and peduncle. The torrefaction experiment was conducted on biomass samples diced into 5 – 10 mm sizes using a torrefaction device which includes a gallencamb electric furnace and metal can reactors. The biomass samples were torrefied at temperatures ranging from 200 to 300 °C and residence periods from 1to 3 hr without the application of inert gas. Visual images of the raw and torrefied products were observed and analyzed in terms of their solid yields and then characterized (moisture content, fixed carbon, volatile matter and ash content) at two torrefaction temperatures using the standard methods of analysis of Association of Official Analytical Chemists (AOAC). Visual image observation indicates that surface color of the torrefied products changes with increasing torrefaction conditions. Torrefied solid product yield decreases with an increase in the torrefaction conditions and the plantain peel had higher yield than the peduncle. Torrefied peel product at 200 and 250 °C had higher moisture content (13.2, 11.3 %) and fixed carbon content (18.0, 14.4 %), while torrefied peduncle product had higher volatile matter (61.2, 62.3 %) and ash content (21.1, 22.5 %), respectively.