Overview
of
Agri-Tech Producers, LLC’s
Torrefaction Process
By: Joseph J. James
President, Agri-Tech Producers, LLC
Phone: (803) 462-0153
josephjjames@bellsouth.net
www.agri-techproducers.com
Agri-Tech Producers, LLC
The Problems!!!
Large Coal Users:
• On a global basis, large coal users (electric utilities) are being
mandated to find cleaner and renewable fuels to co-fire with or
replace coal, build new biomass power plants, costing $100’s
of millions, or face stiff penalties and/or the loss of incentives.
• Untreated wood and plant biomass fouls boiler systems and
they and standard wood pellets, have a low energy value, they
readily absorb moisture and require expensive storage, by the
end user, to protect them from the weather.
• Metallurgical coals are very expensive and pollutant laden.
Biomass Processers:
• Biomass processers are looking for biomass feedstock that is
easier to convert, use, or process than untreated biomass.
Agri-Tech Producers, LLC
Agri-Tech’s Solution
Agri-Tech will develop, improve, sell and use
the best torrefaction process available to
facilitate the sustainable use of plant, wood and
other biomass; in order to make a clean and
renewable coal alternative, as well as variety of
bio-products, which enhance the world’s
environment and quality of life, while also
improving economic conditions for
disadvantaged, rural communities, in which
Agri-Tech operates processing plants.
Agri-Tech Producers, LLC
Torrefaction: A Technology to
Enhance Biomass
– Untreated biomass may be 50% water, it’s
bulky and it’s not the most efficient or useable
fuel or bio-feedstock. Torrefaction:
• Drives off most of the water
• Makes a better co-fire fuel to burn with coal
• Makes superior briquettes and pellets
• Makes an enhanced bio-product feedstock
– Torrefaction, applied at or near the point of
harvest:
• Reduces transportation costs of biomass, per BTU
• Produces a more valuable biomass shipment
Agri-Tech Producers, LLC
The Markets
• According to the IEA, annual world coal use is 6.2 billion
tons, of which 63% is used to produce electricity. Annually,
the US and EU use about 2 billion and 1.2 billion tons each,
with increasing rules to use cleaner and renewable fuels.
• The world's pellet industry supplies a mediocre coal
alternative, but has been growing at a 20% rate. In 2020,
pellet demand will increase from 6 to over 40 million tons.
• Torrefied biomass can easily displace 25% of the coal being
used and be used in 50% of pellets produced.
• Because of EU and certain Asian country regulations and
incentives, their utilities are very interested in buying
torrefied pellets. At the moment, US utilities are more
cautious, depending on state regulations and incentives.
• The market for torrefied feedstock used in making biobased products is being determined, but expected to be very
promising.
Agri-Tech Producers, LLC
Agri-Tech’s Technology
Agri-Tech’s torrefaction technology, which it has
exclusively licensed from NC State University,
involves heating biomass in a low-oxygen environment to:
1. Remove water, which reduces logistics costs and
improves combustion performance,
2. Greatly increase energy (Btu’s) and physical density;
3. Make a very brittle and easily ground solid fuel,
suitable for pulverized-coal power plants;
4. Make water resistant pellets and briquettes;
5. After reaching operating temperature, Agri-Tech’s
auto-thermal units require no external energy for
process heat, which reduces processing costs and
lifecycle impacts.
6. And, to make a better feedstock for more cost
effectively producing a host of bio-products.
Agri-Tech Producers, LLC
Competitive Differentiation
Agri-Tech’s biggest torrefaction process competitors are
European companies, but
1. Their processes are much more complex and
more expensive,
2. Their units require a costly, extra step to pre-dry
biomass inputs to 20% or less moisture,
3. Agri-Tech's units can process most biomass
feedstock in a single unit, without pre-drying.
4. Agri-Tech’s units, once at operating temperature,
require no outside energy for process heat.
Agri-Tech Producers, LLC
Schematic of Agri-Tech’s
Torrefaction Machine
Agri-Tech Producers, LLC
NC State University’s Prototype
Torrefaction Unit
Agri-Tech Producers, LLC
ATP’s Equipment Manufacturer: The Kusters Zima
Corporation
101 Zima Park Drive / I-85 Business
Spartanburg, S.C. 29301
Tel: (864) 576-0660
8.74 Acres (35,362 Sq. Meters)
Building Constructed in 1969
80,128 Total Manufacturing Sq. Ft.
(7,444 Sq. Meters)
Kusters Zima has over 40 years
experience in engineering and
manufacturing machinery for many
various industries.
• Complete Metal Fabrication including
Welding, Cutting, Forming and Piping.
• Machining Capabilities that include CNC
Turning and Vertical Milling Centers.
• Complete Mechanical and Electrical
Engineering with the latest Software Versions
of SolidWorks and AutoCad.
• Complete Mechanical and Electrical
Assembly and F.A.T. for Production
Machines and Prototypes.
• Installation and Start-up Supervision.
Complete Manufacturing
• Water & Waste Water Equipment
Grit Removal & Washing
Course & Fine Screenings
Classifiers
CSO Screens
Dewatering
• Carpet & Textile Equipment
Continuous Preparation
Dye Washers & Scour Ranges
Steamers
Liquid Dispensing
Water & Dry Lint Removal Systems
• Contract Sales
Piece Parts & Components
Customer Specific Design & Build
Build to Print
Agri-Tech Producers, LLC