Characterization of Thermo-Chemical Degradation and Pyrolysis Properties for Three Kinds of Biomass Residues

Abstract

This study investigated the thermo-chemical degradation and fast pyrolysis of watermelon seed shells (WSS), pumpkin seed shells (PSS), and sunflower seed shells (SSS). The raw materials and pyrolysis products were analyzed. The results showed that the carbon content (52.96%), hydrogen content (7.38%) and higher heating value (HHV) (23.88 MJ/kg) of PSS were highest, and the bio-oil from the PSS pyrolysis had high amounts of phenolic compounds. For SSS, the content of holocellulose (83.47 wt.%) was the highest, but the lignin content (13.62 wt.%) was lower than the other samples. The gas yield from the SSS pyrolysis was the largest and the bio-oil content of acids (acetic acid 36.53%) and ketones (1-hydroxy-2-propanone 9.90%) were higher. For WSS, the yield of the biochar was 39.14 wt.%. Additionally, the raw materials' structures were similar. The thermal decomposition process of all seed shells had three stages, i.e. dehydration, active pyrolysis, and passive pyrolysis. In all three kinds of bio-oil, the components were mainly guaiacol-type and phenol-type. The guaiacol-type in the bio-oils from PSS (43.78%) and WSS (32.33%) were higher than in the bio-oil from SSS.

Pyrolytic biochars from sunflower seed shells, peanut shells and Spirulina algae: their potential as soil amendment and natural growth regulators

“…A lower lignin value in our sample was expected based on the pre-treatment of the original material. Ash content was smaller than those previously reported [21,47], Phyllis database (https ://phyll is.nl/). In regard to the ultimate analysis of sunflower husks, values for C, H, N and S were within the range of those previously reported (C: 44-57.6 wt%, H: 5.6-6.5 wt%, N: 0.33-5.8 wt%, S: 0.05-0.31 wt%), while O was significantly lower (O: 41.4-49 wt%).…”

“…Few reports have described the pyrolytic yields of SSS [47,76] with highly varying results depending on the initial feedstock composition, pyrolysis system and temperatures. For instance, pre-treated SSS (w/ Ganoderma lucidum) transformed in a static system at 400 °C produced almost identical amounts of biochar (27%), but higher bio-oil yields (34%) and lower gas content (39%) [17].…”

Techno-economic feasibility of a sunflower husk fast pyrolysis value chain for the production of advanced biofuels

“…This approach is similar to that followed by Pedersen et al 23 . The sunflower husk bio-oil components are taken from Liu et al 10 . The energy carrier is sand, at a sand to feedstock ratio of 22:1.…”

“…Technologies that have been investigated for biofuel production from biomass include biological (fermentation, digestion) and thermochemical processes, such as combustion, gasification, pyrolysis, and hydrothermal liquefaction. It has been shown that sunflower husks are a promising 2G agricultural waste feedstock that is suitable for bio-oil production through fast pyrolysis 9,10 . The produced bio-oil could be used for the production of advanced biofuels 11 .…”

Technoeconomic Feasibility of a Sunflower Husk Fast Pyrolysis Value Chain for the Production of Advanced Biofuels

“…Experimental work converting sunflower husks has been done on a laboratory or bench scale, , and simulation and technoeconomic assessments have been done on fast pyrolysis processing of corn stover and woody biomass feedstocks. ,, However, no published data can be found on the simulation and technoeconomic assessment of a sunflower husk value chain including fast pyrolysis and upgrading. To know whether this is a promising endeavor, the next step is to determine if upgraded bio-oil production from sunflower husks in a decentralized, hub-and-spoke distributed value chain is feasible.…”