Slow pyrolysis of buri palm: Investigation of pyrolysis temperature and residence time effects

Abstract

The enormous environmental impact of the excessive use of the fossil fuels has prompted researchers to search for an environmentally friendly energy source. In this study, buri palm leaves was utilized to produce biochar and bio-oil using slow pyrolysis. The effects of temperature (T), of (300, 500 and 700 °C) and residence time (RS) of (30, 60 and 90 mins) to pyrolysis products were investigated using a self-design fixed bed reactor. Particularly, the effects of these parameters on the proximate analysis, ultimate analysis, and calculated heating value of biochar were conducted. The results showed that the highest yield in biochar of 68% (T = 300 °C, RT = 90 min) while the bio-oil yield of 46% (T = 500 °C, RS = 90 min) was obtained. It was observed that biochar products increased with residence time but decreasing with the temperature while the bio-oil recovery is as both parameters increase. In addition, fixed carbon, volatile matter, ash, carbon, hydrogen and the higher heating value of biochar were significantly affected by the residence time. The calculated lowest and highest higher heating values of biochar were 16.93 MJ/kg at 300 °C for 30 mins and 28 MJ/kg at 700 °C for 30 mins respectively. Finally, this study presented the viability of buri palm leaves as potential option for sustainable alternative energy sources.