Use of Response Surface Methodology in Optimizing the Production yield of Biofuel from Cashew Nut Shell through the Process of Pyrolysis

Abstract

A fixed bed pyrolysis reactor was used to pyrolyze Cashew nut shell (CNS). Response Surface Methodology (RSM) was then used to study the pyrolysis process. One Factor at a Time (OFAT) experiment was applied using different factors and levels. The OFAT results showed that the highest pyrolysis liquid yield was 57.8 wt.%. Two levels from each factor were chosen to run the RSM (applying Central Composite Design (CCD)) by forming two levels three factors (23) design. A quadratic model suggested by the Design Expert (version 11) software was used to predict the yield. The maximum liquid yield from the RSM was 61.3 wt. %.