Thermal degradation characteristics and kinetic study of camel manure pyrolysis

Abstract

An alternate and sustainable utilisation of camel dung waste has been investigated in this study. The pyrolysis degradation characteristics of camel dung have been investigated using a thermogravimetric analyser and the same has been compared with the gasification decomposition behaviour of the dung. The pyrolysis analyses were performed at heating rates of 10, 20, and 50 K/min from room temperature to 1173 K under an inert N2 atmosphere. The pyrolytic kinetics were estimated using different models such as Coats-Redfern, Friedman, Distributed activation energy, Kissinger-Akahira-Sunose, Flynn-Wall-Ozawa, and Starink. The average activation energy values were consistent (162–172 kJ/mol) for all the models. Comparison of pyrolysis kinetics with gasification kinetics indicated that the camel dung requires more activation energy for the pyrolysis decomposition. The estimated activation energy values and the Kissinger equation were used to determine the thermodynamic properties such as Gibbs free energy, enthalpy, and entropy. The Gibbs free energy and enthalpy values of the pyrolysis degradation were lower than in the case of the gasification decomposition. The details of these kinetic parameters and thermodynamic properties are vital for the design and fabrication of pyrolysis reactors.