Characterization of the liquid and solid products obtained from the oxidative pyrolysis of meat and bone meal in a pilot-scale fluidised bed plant

Abstract

Pyrolysis of meat and bone meal material has been studied in an auto-thermal pilot scale unit with a fluidised bed reactor based on Bioware Technology. The heating value of the bio-oil samples is around 33–36 MJ/kg, whilst the nitrogen content is between 7.3 wt.% and 9.0 wt.%. Liquid fractionation with solvents of the bio-oil has been carried out. Chemical analyses of the fractions have shown that the main components in the bio-oil samples are alkanes, alkenes, oxygenated components (as alcohols) and nitrogen compounds (as nitriles) which are identified in the water insoluble fraction. Knowing the chemical composition of the bio-oils is important for assessing possible chemical and pharmaceutical applications of these bio-oils. The char samples have a notable ash content (63 wt.% to 77 wt.%) and its high Ca content could make it suitable for use as a catalyst in gasification processes.