One of the key features of a TORBED processor is process intensification: making the process happen in a more concentrated way. A result of this is that a TORBED processor of any given capacity is smaller in scale than a conventional circulating fluidised bed of similar capacity. This makes a TORBED processor less costly to fabricate and install.
TORBED combustors have been used to process various forms of biomass and waste. Whilst there is a form of fluidised bed within a TORBED reactor, it is comparatively small and contains no inert substrate, resulting in very close real time control. This is of particular help in processes where overruns in temperature can result in undesirable process outcomes.
Reactors based on Circulating Fluidized Bed Combustion Technology require evenly sized fuel particles, whereas a TORBED combustor can deal with heterogeneously sized fuel, even saw dust and other fine powders.