Pyrolysis of palm kernel shell using screw-assisted fluidization: effect of heating rate

Abstract

Pyrolysis product yield and composition are dependent on the characteristics of feedstock and operating parameters. Heating rate is one of the key parameters that has substantial influence on pyrolysis yields and its composition. This study aims to investigate the influence of heating rate on the yield and the composition of pyrolysis products from palm kernel shell feedstock in low, medium and high pyrolysis modes. The pyrolysis experiments were performed at three heating rates ranging from 50 to 275 °C/min via screw-assisted fluidization. The process was optimized at the rotation speed of 50 rpm at 500 °C. A maximum bio-oil yield of 72.86 wt.% was obtained with 275 °C/min heating rate. The liquid yield obtained at 275 °C/min heating rate contained higher proportion of organic phase of approximately 42.21 wt.% than the aqueous phase. The presence of oxygenated compounds in the organic phase at this heating rate was lower than that obtained with low and medium heating rates.