Development and Testing of a Pyrolysis Machine for the Comparative Analysis of Selected Biomass Towards Biofuel Production

Abstract

Biomass-to-energy conversion (also called bioenergy) covers various biomass forms and origins, conversion options, end-use applications and specifications for utilities. Lignocellulosic biomass may be converted to usable energy products through two distinct pathways: enzymatic or thermochemical conversion. The thermochemical route through Pyrolysis was proposed as a possible bioprocess option for the comparative analysis of Vitex Doniana and Gmelina Arborea (gmelina). This research designed and fabricated a pyrolysis machine used to investigate the physical and chemical properties of two fruit seeds, namely Vitex Doniana and Gmelina Arborea, using the fast pyrolysis method of bio-oil extraction. The prepared materials were pyrolysed in a fixed-bed pyrolysis reactor in the temperature range from 425 to 500 0C. The physicochemical properties and compositions of the feed materials and produced bio-oil were evaluated to quantify their potential for bio-energy use and industrial applications. The measured properties included density, moisture content, ash content, pH, refractive index, cetane index, elemental composition, viscosity, and heating values. Gas Chromatography-Mass Spectrometry (GCMS) and FT-IR spectrum analysis were used to evaluate the bio-oil production from both biomasses. A commercial natural zeolite, namely magnesium carbonate, was used as a catalyst to enhance the oil conversion. Two kilograms of the biomass were loaded into the reactor chamber for the pyrolysis process. The system’s primary components are a fixed bed reactor, fractionating cylinder, and liquid condenser. The reactor is heated using an LPG source.