Influence of Temperature on Quality and Yield of Pyrolytic Products of Biofuel Process Wastes

Abstract

With the ambitious biofuel project launched by the government of India, a good number of non-edible oil seeds have been explored as a potential candidate to produce biodiesel. However, in this attempt, a massive amount of solid byproducts is also generated (seed cover and de-oiled cake). These byproducts if not utilized add to the wastes and may end up in open burning. Thus complete utilization of biomass resources are vital for maximizing the efficiency, sustainability and economics of biofuel production. In this work, we have investigated the pyrolysis properties of Kayea assamica (KA) seedcake (a biofuel process waste) using TGA analysis. The slow pyrolysis reaction was performed with 40 °C/min heating rate. The physicochemical characteristics of Kayea assamica were investigated by bomb calorimetry, elemental analysis (CHN), SEM and FT-IR spectroscopy. The proximate and ultimate analysis was conducted using standard ASTM methodology. The variation of product yield with the pyrolysis temperature was also observed. Energy performance system of the pyrolysis system was also evaluated. BET analyses of biochar were also studied for the preparation of activated carbon.