Thermal decomposition of Gayo Arabica coffee-pulp in a segmented chamber

Abstract

This paper reports experimental investigation on slow pyrolysis process of Gayo Arabica coffee-pulp with a target of biochar quality improvement. Investigation started with preparing the design, fabrication and testing of a-pilot-scale batch reactor. Later, the reactor was modified by placing stainless-steel trays to split the reactor into three zones. The performance of reactor after modification was examined and compared it with data gained from un-modified reactor. Temperature profile and product distribution have been observed during slow pyrolysis process of coffee-pulp in order to evaluate the performance of reactor. Results show that installing trays inside the reactor improves heat distribution and diffusion of hot gasses through the chamber. Segmented reactor demonstrated a more stable in temperature changes during pyrolysis experiment. Enhanced yield of biochar up to 42.87 % is gained during pyrolysis experiment in segmented reactor. Investigation on characteristic of biochar suggests less impurity has been found from modified reactor product.