Slow pyrolysis of imperata cylindrica in a fixed bed reactor

Abstract

Slow pyrolysis of Imperata Cylindrica has been conducted in a fixed bed reactor to determine the effect of temperature and particle sizes towards the product yield. The characterization of the Imperata Cylindrica has been analysed using several instruments such as Thermogravimetric Analysis (TGA), Carbon Hidrogen Nitrogen Sulfur and Oxygen (CHNS/O) analyzer, Bomb Calorimeter, and several analytical methods. Pyrolysis experiments were performed at temperature between 450- 600 °C, and particle sizes of 0.25-1.00 mm with constant nitrogen flow rate of 100 cm3min-1 and heating rate of 22 ºC . min-1 (slow mode). The highest liquid oil yield obtained was 20.88 % at temperature 500 °C, with particle size of 0.5-1.0 mm, and heating rate of 22 ºC . min-1. The obtained yield of liquid, solid and gas from pyrolysis were found in the range of 3.25-20.88 %, 22.63-30.50 % and 49.13-74.13 % respectively at different pyrolysis conditions. Liquid bio-oil produced from the pyrolysis of Imperata Cylindrica shows high water content in the range of 58.09- 72.74 % which was checked using Karl Fisher Titration. From Gas Chromatography- Mass Spectrometry (GC-MS), the chemical components present in the liquid oil from pyrolysis of Imperata cylindrica include acids, phenols, ketones, aldehydes, ethers, and some species of aromatics. .