Abstract
Thermal pre-treatment of non-lignocellulosic biomass, sewage sludge, using a lab-scale fluidized bed reactor was carried out in order to enhance its solid fuel properties. The influence of the torrefaction temperature range from 200–350 °C and 0–50 min residence time on the physical and chemical properties of the torrefied product was investigated. Properties of the torrefied product were analyzed on the basis of the degree of torrefaction, ultimate and proximate analysis, and gas analysis. An attempt was made to obtain the chemical exergy of sewage sludge. An elevated torrefaction temperature presented a beneficial impact on the degree of torrefaction and chemical exergy. Moreover, the effect of the torrefaction temperature and residence time on the elemental variation of sewage sludge exhibited an increase in the weight percentage of carbon while the H/C and O/C molar ratios deteriorated. Additionally, the product gas emitted during torrefaction was analyzed to study the pathway of hydrocarbons and oxygen containing compounds. The compounds with oxygen were emitted at higher temperatures in contrast to hydrocarbon gases. In addition, the study of various correlations for predicting the calorific value of torrefied sewage sludge was made.
Highlights
The extensive use of conventional fuel has induced economic problems, and ecological damages
Initial weight loss can be observed before 200 ◦ C, which may be due to a loss of the sewage sludge
It can be observed that the actual temperature range from start to finish of the sewage sludge decomposition is narrower at a lower heating rate with respect to a higher heating rate
Summary
The extensive use of conventional fuel has induced economic problems, and ecological damages. Limited fossil fuel reserves have served as a challenge, globally, to look for alternative sources of energy. The apprehension for greenhouse gas emissions (GHG), energy security, and sustainability has caught worldwide attention to look for renewable and alternative energy resources. To curtail these issues, an appropriate replacement for renewable energy is necessary. It is vital that the country generates ideas for the production of renewable energy. One of the materials that can be used for the production of energy is sewage sludge which is generated from wastewater treatment plants
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