Influence of added calcium on thermal decomposition of biomass, lignite and their blends

The behaviour during thermal degradation of biomass, lignite and blends of these two fuels has been investigated. Polish lignite (Turow), pine sawdust and their blends in ratios 75% demineralised lignite + 25% ion exchanged pine and 75% ion exchanged lignite + 25% demineralised pine were used in the research. Samples were demineralised by 2M HCl to remove acid-soluble mineral matter and then ion exchanged by calcium acetate solution. The fuels were studied using a range of laboratory scale methods including TGA and DTG analysis. The influence of calcium on the devolatilization processes is discussed.