Microwave-assisted pyrolysis of furfural residue in a continuously operated auger reactor: Characterization and analyses of condensates and non-condensable gases

Abstract

Microwave-assisted pyrolysis of furfural residue (FR) in an auger reactor was conducted. The biochar yield decreased and non-condensable gas yield increased with increasing temperature. Condensate yield reached maximum (i.e. 21.49 wt%) at 550 °C. Kaolin, CaO and K2CO3 enhanced tar secondary reactions, reduced the yield and O/C ratio of bio-oil, improved GC-MS areas of phenolic compounds to 76.25%, 89.28% and 93.1%, respectively. All additives improved yields of H2 and CH4, while CaO reduced CO2. With increasing temperature, relative proportion (RP) of HCN/NH3 reached up to 13.67, while RP of H2S and chlorine in volatiles increased from 1.17%, 5.97% to 2.75%, 9.00%, respectively. Ammonia nitrogen in volatiles increased to 6.94% by K2CO3. Kaolin improved RP of HCN from 0.11% to 5.47%, while K2CO3 eliminated HCN. H2S increased with kaolin addition and decreased with CaO and K2CO3. Electricity consumption of MWAP varied from 0.5 to 3.78 (kWh/kg FR) depending on temperatures and additives.