Hydrothermal carbonization of wheat straw - prediction of product mass yields and degree of carbonization by severity parameter

The product yields of hydrothermal carbonization
of wheat straw as well as the degree of carbonization are
quantified as functions of process parameters by using a
severity approach. The process severity was calculated
from temperature, retention time, and catalyst concentration.
Data gained from batch experiments (190–245 °C,
150–570 min) were used to fit the model parameters. By
these models, basing on few selected reaction conditions, a
wide range of process conditions can be covered and the
yields for the solid, solved organic, and gaseous product
phase can be predicted. Moreover, the paper delivers model
equations for the prediction of the H/C and O/C ratios for the
solid product phase. Such model equations can be used for
process optimization and for valid LCA calculations.