Practical implementation of HTC reactor for hydrocharproduction in Senegal

The development of an HTC (Hydrothermal Carbonization) technology for the first time in Senegal marks a significant step forward in biomass recovery technologies. This pilot project, developed as part of the Bio4Africa project, initially involved the use of two types of local wet biomasses, Typha and cashew apple pulp, as raw materials for the production of hydrochar. The experiments were carried out in an internal temperature controlled 20L reactor at 190°C, with two different treatment times of 3 and 5 hours and maximum pressure between 10 and 20 bars. The results of the study were used to determine the mass yields of solid, liquid and gaseous products. The solid fraction was the main component on the HTC treatment.

In addition, the composition of the gas produced was measured, providing essential data to assess the performance of the reactor, and it was observed that CO2 was the main gas released by the HTC process. Detailed analysis of the produced hydrochar included assessment of its proximate and elemental composition, as well as tests of its pH, electrical conductivity, salinity and calorific value. All the produced hydrochars were acidic with a pH below 5.5. These analyses revealed the energetic and chemical properties of hydrochar, offering interesting prospects for its use as a source of renewable energy or soil amendment or fertilization.

In conclusion, this pioneering work has demonstrated the potential of HTC reactors to exploit local wet biomasses in Senegal, paving the way for future applications in renewable energy and waste management.