The aim of this study was to determine selected energy parameters, leachability of heavy metals and phytotoxicity of biomass ash for different types of plant biomass (wheat straw, miscanthus straw, bark and sawdust) and poultry manure, as well as biochars produced from them. Based on data from proximate and ultimate analysis of the investigated materials, fuel value index (FVI) was calculated to determine their suitability for energy production. The ashes were analyzed for both chemical composition and leaching behavior. The phytotoxicity test of aqueous ash extracts was performed for Lepidium sativum L. It was found that the calorific value of biochars was higher on average by 36% than the value determined for feedstocks used in the pyrolysis process. The pyrolysis of organic materials resulted in the reduction of the volatile matter content. The gross calorific value was determined in biochars formed from miscanthus straw and sawdust which were 26.6 and 23.4 MJ kg⁻¹, respectively. Leachability of heavy metals of biomass ash was highly diverse and depended on the analyzed element and the material type. The phytotoxicity analysis showed that, in general, each of the ash extracts tested had a positive effect on the growth of Lepidium sativum L. compared to the control. The use of ash, fertilizer, or sorbents can be an interesting alternative for materials with high ash content. In all these cases, biochars seem to be very attractive materials that can be used not only in energy production. Given the high carbon content of biochar obtained in the pyrolysis process, it has a high-energy potential and can be used as a biofuel.

The process of biomass compaction depends on many factors, related to material and process. One of the most important is the proper fragmentation of the raw material. In most cases, more fragmented raw material makes it easier to achieve the desired quality parameters of pellets or briquettes. While the chipping of biomass prefers moist materials, for grinding, the material needs to be dried. As drying temperature changes the properties of the material, these may affect the grinding process. The aim of this work was to determine the influence of the drying temperature of biomass raw material in the range of 60–140 °C on the biomass grindability. To only determine this effect, without the influence of moisture, grinding was carried out on the material in a dry state. The research was carried out on a mill with a knife and hammer grinding system, which is the most popular in the fragmentation of biomass. The analysis of particle size distribution and bulk density of the obtained material was carried out. The energy demand for the grinding process was determined and it was shown that drying temperature, grinding system, and mainly type of biomass affects the grindability.

Miscanthus is resistant to dry, frosty winters in Poland and most European Union countries. Miscanthus gives higher yields compared to native species. Farmers can produce Miscanthus pellets after drying it for their own heating purposes. From the third year, the most efficient plant development begins, resulting in a yield of 25–30 tons of dry matter from an area of 1 hectare. Laboratory scale tests were carried out on the processes of drying, compacting, and torrefaction of this biomass type. The analysis of the drying process was conducted at three temperature levels of the drying agent (60, 100, and 140 °C). Compaction on a hydraulic press was carried out in the pressure range characteristic of a pressure agglomeration (130.8–457.8 MPa) at different moisture contents of the raw material (0.5% and 10%). The main interest in this part was to assess the influence of drying temperature, moisture content, and compaction pressure on the specific densities (DE) and the mechanical durability of the pellets (DU). In the next step, laboratory analyses of the torrefaction process were carried out, initially using the Thermogravimetric Analysis TGA and Differential Scaning Calorimeter DSC techniques (to assess activation energy (EA)), followed by a flow reactor operating at five temperature levels (225, 250, 275, 300, and 525 °C). A SEM analysis of Miscanthus after torrefaction processes at three different temperatures was performed. Both the parameters of biochar (proximate and ultimate analysis) and the quality of the torgas (volatile organic content (VOC)) were analyzed. The results show that both drying temperature and moisture level will affect the quality of the pellets. Analysis of the torrefaction process shows clearly that the optimum process temperature would be around 300–340 °C from a mass loss ratio and economical perspective.

Increasing production of waste has compelled the development of modern technologies for waste management. Certain fractions of municipal solid wastes are not suitable for recycling and must be utilised in other ways. Materials such as refuse-derived fuel (RDF) fractions are used as fuel in cement or CHP (combined heat and power) plants. The low bulk density leads to many problems pertaining to transportation and storage. In the case of biomass, these problems cause reduction in pelletisation. This paper therefore presents a comprehensive study on RDF pellet production, which is divided into three major areas. The first describes laboratory-scale tests and provides information on key factors that affect pellet quality (e.g., density and durability). Based on this, the second part presents a design of modified RDF dies to form RDF pellets, which are then tested via a semi-professional line test. The results show that RDF fraction can be compacted to form pellets using conventional devices. Given that temperature plays a key role, a special die must be used, and this ensures that the produced pellets exhibit high durability and bulk density, similar to biomass pellets.

The paper presents the results of research aimed at evaluating the possibility of using selected tree leaf species to produce solid biofuels. The possibility of production of qualitative solid biofuels from urban tree leaves meets the expectations of the municipal sector. Collection of tree leaves in urban areas is very often necessary for road safety reasons, the need to collect biomass rich in dust and pollution as well as biomass infested with pests. The production of solid biofuels from tree leaves allows for effective management of this raw material with energy recovery. The performed research indicates such a possibility, and the obtained ash is used as a soil improver. The conducted research showed that the biomass of leaves of five tree species used in the experiment can be a source of raw materials for production of qualitative biofuels. The obtained pellets were characterized by properties comparable to those of classical wood pellets. The lower heating value of the obtained pellets ranged from 14.5 to 15.5 MJ∙kg⁻¹. Physical properties of the obtained pellets described by bulk density (BD 600–660 kg∙m⁻³), mechanical durability (DU 90–96%), moisture (M_ar 10–12.5%) indicate that these products can be used in existing combustion equipment. Preliminary analysis of the obtained ashes (determination of ash melting point, bulk density) indicates that they should not cause difficulties in ash removal systems from the combustion chamber.