A critical review on biomass pyrolysis: Reaction mechanisms, process modeling and potential challenges

Vuppaladadiyam, Arun Krishna; Vuppaladadiyam, Sai Sree Varsha; Sikarwar, Vineet Singh; Ahmạd, Ejaz; Pant, Kamal Kishore; Murugavelh, S.; Pandey, Ashish; Bhattacharya, Sankar; Sarmah, Ajit K.; Leu, Shao‐Yuan

doi:10.1016/j.joei.2023.101236

Cited by 30 publications

(4 citation statements)

References 210 publications

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“…Current scientific research focuses on finding methods for efficient biomass utilization and developing technologies that could contribute to increasing the share of renewable energy sources [78][79][80]. According to Severes et al [77] and Vuppaladadiyam et al [81], determining the contents of carbon, hydrogen, oxygen, and ash in corn biomass is crucial for determining its calorific value. In the context of harmful gas emissions released into the atmosphere during biomass combustion, the sulfur and nitrogen contents are also key.…”

Section: The Biomass Of Zea Mays and Its Energy Valuementioning

confidence: 99%

Soil Enzyme Response and Calorific Value of Zea mays Used for the Phytoremediation of Soils Contaminated with Diesel Oil

Borowik,

Wyszkowska,

Zaborowska

et al. 2024

Energies

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Ensuring a stable and cost-effective energy supply is a major challenge for the International Energy Agency (IEA). Additionally, the effectiveness of vermiculite and dolomite in mitigating the adverse effects of diesel oil, a petroleum-derived product, on plant growth and development, and on the biochemical activity of the soil, were assessed. Therefore, an attempt was made in the study to determine the energy properties of Zea mays, which is suitable for cultivation in contaminated areas. For these purposes, several parameters were analyzed in its biomass, including calorific value (Q), heating value (Hv), energy yield (Yep), ash content, and the presence of carbon (C), hydrogen (H), sulfur (S), nitrogen (N), and oxygen (O). Biochemical activity was measured through the evaluation of soil enzymes serving as indicators for the carbon (dehydrogenases, catalase, β-glucosidase), nitrogen (urease), sulfur (arylsulfatase), and phosphorus (acid and alkaline phosphatase) cycles. The plant greenness index was also determined. It has been demonstrated that diesel oil does not alter the calorific value of Zea mays biomass but significantly reduces the biomass quantity and destabilizes the biochemical properties of the soil. Zea mays contained an average of 6.84% ash, 49.88% C, 5.65% H, 0.17% S, 2.90% N, and 34.57% O. The calorific value of Zea mays ranged from 15.02 to 15.54 MJ kg−1 d.m. of plants, and the heating value ranged from 18.25 to 19.21 MJ kg−1 d.m. of plants. The biomass obtained from contaminated soil is recommended for energy purposes. The sorbents used—vermiculite and dolomite—proved to be less effective in the remediation of soil contaminated with diesel oil.

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Section: The Biomass Of Zea Mays and Its Energy Valuementioning

confidence: 99%

Soil Enzyme Response and Calorific Value of Zea mays Used for the Phytoremediation of Soils Contaminated with Diesel Oil

Borowik,

Wyszkowska,

Zaborowska

et al. 2024

Energies

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“…Since then, pyrolysis technologies have gained popularity and are now often used to make charcoal and coke [101], [102]. There are advantages and disadvantages associated with biomass pyrolysis, which is a thermochemical process that involves heating biomass in the absence of oxygen to produce biochar, bio-oil, and syngas [103]- [105].…”

Section: A Biofuel Productionmentioning

confidence: 99%

Biomass: A Versatile Resource for Biofuel, Industrial, and Environmental Solution

Nguyen,

Tran,

Paramasivam

et al. 2024

Int. J. Adv. Sci. Eng. Inf. Technol.

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Biomass, noted for its adaptability, has various applications in biofuel generation, industrial use, and environmental cleaning. This study looks into the multiple roles of biomass as a renewable energy source, with a particular emphasis on its vital contribution to biofuel production. Through a thorough evaluation of different conversion routes—thermal, biological, and physical—the study emphasizes thermochemical processes' efficiency, cost-effectiveness, and adaptability. Notably, technologies like gasification and quick pyrolysis are thoroughly investigated, followed by in-depth discussions of reactor optimization strategies to enhance performance and output. The complex structure of biomass, which is dominated by high-molecular-weight polysaccharides such as cellulose and hemicelluloses, demonstrates its significant potential for energy generation. Furthermore, the study categorizes biomass by content, origin, and conversion processes, resulting in a comprehensive inventory of available resources. Biomass from the agriculture and forestry industries, such as starch, sugar, lignocellulose, and organic wastes, is rigorously analyzed for energy production. Furthermore, various biomass processing techniques, including thermochemical, biochemical, and physicochemical conversions, are carefully tested in real-world applications to ensure their efficacy and viability. Beyond its importance in biofuel production, the article underlines biomass' versatility in satisfying industrial needs and contributing to environmental cleanup initiatives. This study lays the groundwork for informed decision-making and innovative solutions in various industries by providing a thorough understanding of biomass's various benefits and applications, including energy provision, industrial processes, and ecological restoration.

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“…To develop industrial-scale biomass pyrolysis reactors that allow the use of the resources mentioned above, it is necessary to overcome operational challenges. Vuppaladadiyam [11] reported the problems that, to date, have not been fully resolved and that hinder the commercial development of the technology. According to Vuppaladadiyam, the most important issues are as follows: (i) aerosol formation, (ii) tar control, (iii) modeling of heat transfer processes, (iv) the selection of reaction mechanisms and mathematical modeling, (v) designs highly dependent on the characteristics of the raw material, and (vi) scaling.…”

Section: Introductionmentioning

confidence: 99%

Analysis of the Solar Pyrolysis of a Walnut Shell: Insights into the Thermal Behavior of Biomaterials

Aspiazu-Méndez,

Cisneros-Cárdenas,

Pérez-Rábago

et al. 2024

Energies

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The state of Sonora, Mexico, stands as one of the leading producers of pecan nuts in the country, which are commercialized without shells, leaving behind this unused residue. Additionally, this region has abundant solar resources, as shown by its high levels of direct normal irradiance (DNI). This study contributes to research efforts aimed at achieving a synergy between concentrated solar energy technology and biomass pyrolysis processes, with the idea of using the advantages of organic waste to reduce greenhouse gas emissions and avoiding the combustion of conventional pyrolysis through the concentration of solar thermal energy. The objective of this study is to pioneer a new experimental analysis methodology in research on solar pyrolysis reactors. The two main features of this new methodology are, firstly, the comparison of temperature profiles during the heating of inert and reactive materials and, secondly, the analysis of heating rates. This facilitated a better interpretation of the observed phenomenon. The methodology encompasses two different thermal experiments: (A) the pyrolysis of pecan shells and (B) the heating–cooling process of the biochar produced in experiment (A). Additionally, an experiment involving the heating of volcanic stone is presented, which reveals the temperature profiles of an inert material and serves as a comparative reference with experiment (B). In this experimental study, 50 g of pecan shells were subjected to pyrolysis within a cylindrical stainless-steel reactor with a volume of 156 cm3, heated by concentrated radiation from a solar simulator. Three different heat fluxes were applied (234, 482, and 725 W), resulting in maximum reaction temperatures of 382, 498, and 674 °C, respectively. Pyrolysis gas analyses (H2, CO, CO2, and CH4) and characterization of the obtained biochar were conducted. The analysis of heating rates, both for biochar heating and biomass pyrolysis, facilitated the identification, differentiation, and interpretation of processes such as moisture evaporation, tar production endpoint, cellulosic material pyrolysis, and lignin degradation. This analysis proved to be a valuable tool as it revealed heating and cooling patterns that were not previously identified. The potential implications of this tool would be associated with improvements in the design and operation protocols of solar reactors.

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A critical review on biomass pyrolysis: Reaction mechanisms, process modeling and potential challenges

Cited by 30 publications

References 210 publications

Soil Enzyme Response and Calorific Value of Zea mays Used for the Phytoremediation of Soils Contaminated with Diesel Oil

Soil Enzyme Response and Calorific Value of Zea mays Used for the Phytoremediation of Soils Contaminated with Diesel Oil

Biomass: A Versatile Resource for Biofuel, Industrial, and Environmental Solution

Analysis of the Solar Pyrolysis of a Walnut Shell: Insights into the Thermal Behavior of Biomaterials

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