CHARACTERIZATION AND COMPARATIVE STUDY OF PYROLYSIS OF LOW RANK COAL AND BIOMASS

Abstract

Low rank coals are not used optimally, another way to increase this value is combustion without oxygen, known as pyrolysis. On the other hand, as a solid waste biomass, palm kernel shell (PKS) is a by-product of the palm oil industry that can cause environmental problems if not handled properly. In fact, the waste is plentiful and not even widely used, therefore it may also be an ideal feedstock for the pyrolysis process. This study compares the distribution of products from coal and PKS pyrolysis, and also characterizes the liquid (tar) and solid (char) products. The results show that the pyrolysis of coal produces more char, while the pyrolysis of PKS produces more gas. Higher tar yields were obtained with the pyrolysis process using PKS. GC-MS identified the main tar compounds for both materials as phenol and acetic acid, 3-methylphenol and methanol were also found in coal and PKS, respectively. The calorific value of char increased by about 5.19 % for coal and 41.12 % for PKS after pyrolysis. The other physical properties of coal and PKS are also improved after pyrolysis. Therefore, the application of pyrolysis in the use of coal and PKS can increase the added value of these two materials and contribute to alternative energy sources.