A Comparative Study of Selected Properties of Biomass and Coal Fuels from Greece

Three different types of biomass samples from Greece were studied (reed, olive kernel, and sawdust) and compared to lignite samples from coal deposits of Western Macedonia, Greece. All biomass samples exhibit higher calorific values (both as received and in dry basis) not only from the studied lignite but also from many other Greek coals. Despite its lower C content on a dry ash-free (daf) basis, the sawdust sample exhibits the highest calorific values, probably due to its lower total moisture content. It also exhibits the lower S and Cl content. As far as the ash content, reed and olive kernel presented higher values than the sawdust. Sylvite was identified in the biomass ashes. The presence of sylvite indicates the abundance of K in the organic matter that bonds with Cl and S during combustion. This explains the formation of arcanite that was identified in the reed and the olive kernel ashes. The presented differences in the composition of the ashes may lead to different environmental management or potential industrial applications.