Comprehensive insight into co-pyrolysis of sewage sludge and tobacco stalk: Effects of mixing ratio and pyrolysis conditions on product distribution and characteristics

Abstract

Co-pyrolysis of sewage sludge (SS) and tobacco stalk (TS) was conducted, where TS are rich in inorganic elements. The effects of the mixing ratio and pyrolysis temperature on pyrolysis products were investigated through the tube furnace system. The components of gas and tar were determined. In addition, the N/S ratio, pore distribution characteristics, surface functional group characteristics, aromatisation characteristics and inorganic element content of char were studied. Results show that the addition of TS to SS has a significant synergistic effect. Particularly, when the ratio of SS to TS is 1:3, the pyrolysis gas yield is the largest. The inorganic elements with a catalytic effect can promote the conversion of char and tar into pyrolysis gas. However, with the increase in pyrolysis temperature, the synergistic effect will gradually weaken. The increase in pyrolysis temperature will promote the development of mesopores in char but will reduce the order degree of the char structure. The addition of TS in SS will further increase the number of mesopores in char, and the obtained char carbon structure is more ordered. When the pyrolysis temperature is 600 °C, the tar yield is the highest, and the higher the mixing ratio of SS, the better the formation of polyaromatic compounds and aliphatic hydrocarbons.

Keywords: Co-pyrolysis; Mixing ratio; Products; Sewage sludge; Tobacco stalk.