Pyrolysis of ASR is an emerging technology which may increase circularity in End-of-Life Vehicle (ELV) waste recycling. To scale up from the current pilot scale, physiochemical characterisation of the by-products is required to determine their utilisation. This paper explored how the physiochemical properties of char from different pyrolysis fractions influence secondary uses. ASR was pyrolysed in a pilot-scale unit capable of processing 100 kg h−1 at 900 °C, producing 480 kg of char from which samples were taken for analysis. Three types of pyrolysis char were identified: (i) coarse char (CC) (ii) medium char (MC) and (iii) fine char (FC). Physical (particle size, moisture content and surface analysis) and chemical (calorific value, organic and inorganic elemental analysis) analysis was conducted. Physical and chemical differences were determined between char fractions: CC had the highest particle size (800 µm; mean 353.5 µm) calorific value (14,544 kcal g−1) and metal concentration; the relationship was CC > MC > FC. Organic elemental analysis indicated %C was highest under FC (80.29 %) and %S was highest in CC (1.04 %). Findings from this experiment provided initial insight into the differences in properties of char fractions from ASR pyrolysis. Potential future uses in char commercial markets were evaluated, with upgrading recommendations provided.
Biochar can have unique benefits to terrestrial and aquatic ecosystems. Investigations of biochar effectiveness within these environments often come from homogenous feedstocks, such as plant biomass, which have simple thermochemical processing methods and produce physically and chemically stable biochar. Current methods to increase biochar production include the addition of oil-derived products such as plastics, which produces a more heterogenous feedstock. This feedstock is similar to materials from waste recycling streams. The adoption of more heterogenous feedstocks produces additional challenges to biochar production and use. This can result in pollution contained within the feedstock being transferred to the biochar or the creation of pollutants during the processing. With the current climate emergency, it is essential to eliminate environmental contamination arising from biochar production. It is critical to understand the physiochemical composition of biochar, where detailed analysis of contaminants is often overlooked. Contamination is common from heterogenous feedstocks but on commercial scales, even homogeneous biochar will contain organic pollutants. This chapter investigates biochar produced from various waste feedstocks and the challenges faced in thermochemical processing. Using Automotive Shredder Residue (ASR) as an example of a heterogeneous feedstock, the levels of contamination are explored. Potential solutions are reviewed while assessing the environmental and economic benefits of using biochar from mixed sources.
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