Pyrolysis of Khat waste vs. Coal: Experimental and Aspen plus analysis

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This study explores the potential of Khat waste as a biofuel through a detailed analysis of its physical properties and pyrolytic behavior, employing both laboratory and simulation techniques. Biomass, including Khat waste, is a valuable renewable energy source with potential applications in reducing waste and CO2 emissions, especially in rural areas of developing countries like Ethiopia. The physical properties of the Khat waste were thoroughly examined, including moisture content, ash, volatile matter (VM), fixed carbon (FC), and elemental composition. The apparent density of the pyrolyzed khat waste was found to be 0.9688 g/cm³. The TGA results showed a moisture loss of 6.7 %, volatile matter of 4.7 %, fixed carbon of 6.78 %, and ash content of 5.55 %. Notably, Khat waste exhibited unique thermal behavior with a downward shift in TG curves above 220 °C. DTGA identified three decomposition peaks: moisture evaporation at 100 °C, hemicellulose breakdown at 210 °C, and cellulose degradation at higher temperatures. Fourier Transform Infrared Spectroscopy (FTIR) provided insights into the functional groups present in Khat waste, including alkene functional groups and O-H bonds, which are crucial for biofuel properties. Simulation using Aspen Plus software modeled the pyrolysis process, highlighting how varying heating rates affect volatile matter and fixed carbon content. Increasing heating rates decreased volatile matter and moisture but increased fixed carbon content. These findings offer valuable insights for optimizing Khat waste as a biofuel, emphasizing the need for tailored pyrolysis conditions to enhance biofuel production efficiency.