Characteristics of Biochar from Jengkok Tobacco: The Effect of Quenching in Pyrolysis Process

Abstract

The cigarette industry produces wastes from tobacco leaves and clove flowers which is called Jengkok. The wastes contain metal Arsenic (As), a toxic metalloid chemical element that is dangerous for the environment. The organic compounds in the wastes can be decomposed using pyrolysis, a chemical process at elevated temperatures in the absence of oxygen. The purpose of this study is to examine the chemical compositions and characteristics of biochar produced from quenching technology treatment in the pyrolysis process using a Rotary Kiln machine. The variables used were the temperatures ranging from 400, 450, 500, 550, 600°C, the duration from 30, 35, to 40 minutes, and water quenched temperature at 25°C. The Biochar water content and temperature produced were then observed. The results analysis included properties test, ultimate analysis, namely elemental testing using the SEM-EDX method and proximate analysis. This research found that water quenched treatment produces Biochar of Jengkok from tobacco is bases (pH. 9-10), and low bulk density. The specific characteristic is C-organic, N, and O has a large enough value, while the optimal processing time is 40 minutes at a temperature of 5500 C, a time of. Therefore, biochar from jengkok is very good for farming with acid soil conditions.