ANALYSIS AND COMPARISON OF THE FUEL PROPERTIES OF BIO-OILS PRODUCED BY CATALYTIC FAST PYROLYSIS OF Tectona grandis

Abstract

This study analyzed the fuel properties of bio-oils produced by catalytic fast pyrolysis of Tectona grandis in a fixed bed reactor at different temperatures (400-600 o C) and biomass to catalyst (b/c) weight ratios (90/10-60/40). Magnesium oxide (MgO) was used as catalyst. The product yields were determined. Bio-oils were characterized with their elemental composition and their Higher Heating Values (HHVs) as well as their basic fuel properties at maximum bio-oil yields conditions, including viscosity, flash point, moisture content, pH value and Conradson Carbon Residue (CCR), were determined and compared with those of non-catalytic pyrolysis bio-oils. The maximum yields of bio-oil at 400, 500 and 600 o C were 31.53, 40.87 and 29.30 wt.%, respectively, obtained at b/c ratios of 70/30, 80/20 and 70/30. Catalytic pyrolysis bio-oils possessed higher carbon and hydrogen but lower oxygen and sulphur contents than non-catalytic pyrolysis bio-oils. The HHVs of catalytic pyrolysis bio-oils (40.31-42.08 MJ/kg) were higher than those of non-catalytic bio-oils (36.47-36.76 MJ/kg). Catalyst reduced the viscosity (at 400 and 500 o C), moisture content and CCR (at 400 and 600 o C), and increased the pH value of bio-oils (at 400 and 600 o C). Catalytic pyrolysis deoxygenates and enhances the fuel properties of bio-oils.