Selection Criteria of Agro-Residues for Various Thermo- Chemical Processes

Agro-Residues which constitute a major class ofbiomass can be used as a renewable source of energy through various thermo-chemical conversion processes. Among various thermo-chemical processes, pyrolysis, gasification and combustion are important routes for organised generation of heat and power. Selection criteria for the utilization of various agro-residues for different thermo-chemical processes are based on their thermo-chemical characterization. Thermo-chemical characterization includes determination of bulk density, proximate analysis, ultimate analysis, ash deformation and fusion temperatures, calorific value and thermo-gravimetric analysis. The characterization was done on eight different agro-residues in the present study to suggest their suitability for various thermo-chemical processes.