Physical and Chemical Properties of Biomass Fuels

ABSTRACT HEATING value and fuel proximate analyses were determined for 62 kinds of biomass. Ultimate analyses were determined for 51 kinds of biomass. Biomass samples were selected from six categories: (1) field crop residues, (2) orchard prunings, (3) vineyard prunings, (4) food and fiber processing wastes, (5) forest residues, and (6) energy crops. Higher heating values ranged from 14.56 to 23.28 MJ/kg dry basis and were lowest for the field crop residues. Ash contents ranged from 0.17% to 24.36% dry weight basis. Nitrogen concentrations were found to be high in field crop residues, vineyard prunings, and in several types of food and fiber processing wastes. Correlation models were developed relating higher heating value to ash, volatiles, carbon, hydrogen, and oxygen.