Electric Pyrolysis Research Articles

Reduction of Greenhouse Gas Emissions through Community-Scale Pyrolysis Technology in Bogor City and its Financial Feasibility

Population growth affects the generation of plastic waste and could potentially increase greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions through the burning process. This has become a severe problem as it contributes to global warming. Therefore, plastic waste management is required, for instance, by using pyrolysis technology on a community scale. Such a project will reduce plastic waste and GHG emissions by processing plastic into valuable products. This study aims (1) to estimate potential GHG emissions before the project implementation, (2) to estimate potential GHG emissions reduction after the project implementation, and (3) to assess both potential revenue and profit of pyrolysis products. This study employs SNI 19-3694-1994 method to estimate household waste generated, the clean development mechanism (CDM) method to estimate GHGs emissions reduction, and the profit comparison method (PCM) to asses both revenue and profit of pyrolysis products. The results show that GHG emissions before the project will be 3.69 t CO2e in 2021 and could increase to 4.61 t CO2e in 2030. Potential GHG emissions reduction depends on the fuel types to heat the reactor. Only electric pyrolysis will reduce GHG emissions by up to 0.46 t CO2e (13%) annually. This project is not financially feasible because operational costs (15,772,779 IDR) exceed the annual revenue (1,014,000 IDR).

Comparison of corn straw biochars from electrical pyrolysis and microwave pyrolysis

ABSTRACT In this study, biochar production from electrical pyrolysis and microwave-assisted pyrolysis of corn straw was detailed. The yields and surface topographies of biochars produced from electrical pyrolysis and microwave pyrolysis at different pyrolysis temperatures (700, 750, 800, 850, and 900°C), biomass loads (9, 12, 15, 18, and 21 g), and residence times (60, 90, 120, 150, and 180 min) were elaborated in the study. The results showed that the biochar yields were in the range of 21.14–38.7 wt. %, and they gradually decreased when there were decreases in the biomass loads or increases in the pyrolysis temperatures or residence times. Increases in pyrolysis temperatures and residence times or decreases in biomass loads increased the porosity and pore densities and reduced the pore sizes. As compared with electrical pyrolysis, microwave pyrolysis increased the bochar yields, i.e. by 21.24% at 800°C, 180 min, and 15 g (21.4 wt. % vs. 25.3 wt. %). Biochar produced from electrical pyrolysis had heterogeneous pore size distribution, whereas biochar obtained from microwave pyrolysis had identical sizes and round shapes on its surface. This study quantitatively revealed the relationships between biochar yields and experimental conditions (pyrolysis temperature, biomass load, residence time).

Advances in dioxin risk management control technologies

An intrinsic element of managing risk exposure to dioxins and related chemicals is to reduce release into the environment. Such efforts include modifying manufacturing processes and/or adding waste reduction and recovery technologies such as producing hexachlorophene from dichlorophenols, modifying pulp and paper mill bleaching processes, and pyrolyzing chlorinated still bottoms for HCl recovery. The identification, testing, and evaluation of treatment technologies that can be employed prior to or as alternatives to land disposal represent a significant effort in risk reduction. Thermal methods such as rotary kiln incineration, infrared heating, fluidized beds, electric pyrolysis, and pyroplasma are detailed together with chemical methods involving potassium polyethylene glycolate (KPEG) reagent UV-photolysis, UV-oxidation, and other methods, including supercritical oxidation and use of modified clays. Finally, waste management options are discussed, which include in situ stabilization solidification/fixation and vitrification, storage in abandoned surface mines, and biological methods.