A new technique to pyrolyse biomass in a microwave system: effect of stirrer speed

Bioresour Technol. 2013 Jan:128:578-85. doi: 10.1016/j.biortech.2012.10.084. Epub 2012 Oct 29.

Abstract

A new technique to pyrolyse biomass in microwave (MW) system is presented in this paper to solve the problem of bio-oil deposition. Pyrolysis of oil palm shell (OPS) biomass was conducted in 800 W and 2.45 GHz frequency MW system using an activated carbon as a MW absorber. The temperature profile, product yield and the properties of the products were found to depend on the stirrer speed and MW absorber percentage. The highest bio-oil yield of 28 wt.% was obtained at 25% MW absorber and 50 rpm stirrer speed. Bio-char showed highest calorific value of the 29.5 MJ/kg at 50% MW absorber and 100 rpm stirrer speed. Bio-oil from this study was rich in phenol with highest detected as 85 area% from the GC-MS results. Thus, OPS bio-oil can become potential alternative to petroleum-based chemicals in various phenolic based applications.

Publication types

  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

  • Araceae / chemistry*
  • Araceae / radiation effects*
  • Equipment Design
  • Equipment Failure Analysis
  • Fruit / chemistry*
  • Fruit / radiation effects*
  • Incineration / instrumentation*
  • Microwaves
  • Refuse Disposal / instrumentation*
  • Rheology / instrumentation*
  • Rotation