Effect of air staging and porous inert material on the emission of volatile organic compounds in solid biomass combustion

The present paper delves into experimental data to assess the effects of the inclusion of a zirconium porous medium in the emissions of a laboratory-scale biomass combustor, with a focus on particulate matter and volatile organic compounds. While other studies have focused on the effects of the material on solid particulate matter or gaseous emissions, this research is focused on volatiles, their capture and storage. A novel sampling train for the capture of volatiles has been designed based on active carbon adsorption on a refrigerated environment, and its performance was evaluated through thermogravimetric analysis, showing the affinity of this porous medium towards lighter organic compounds. The retention time of the sample was also studied, and the data revealed that after three to six hours the sample had degraded significantly when stored in airtight plastic bags inside a glass desiccator at 22 degrees C. An analysis of the particulate matter emitted was also carried out. Volatile organic com-pounds were also found to follow the behavior of particulate matter, with the scenarios where low solid particles were emitted being also those in which volatiles release was minimized.

Automated summary

This study investigates the effects of adding a zirconium porous medium on emissions from a laboratory-scale biomass combustor, focusing on particulate matter and volatile organic compounds. A unique sampling train using active carbon adsorption was designed to capture volatiles, and thermogravimetric analysis showed the porous medium's affinity for lighter organic compounds. The retention time of the sample was also examined, revealing significant degradation after three to six hours of storage. Analysis of particulate matter emissions demonstrated a correlation with volatile organic compounds, with lower solid particle emissions resulting in minimized volatile release.