A comparative study of different biomass properties by using pyrolysis process

Abstract

Energy is an important aspect for the development of the human race. The demand for energy rises day-by-day due to increasing population and economic conditions. This energy demand can be fulfilled by finding a renewable energy source. Among the various renewable energy sources, bio-mass has higher potential. The biomass based fuel can be easily obtained from forest, agriculture and food waste by employing thermo-chemical and bio-chemical processes. In this article, two biomass wastes namely sugarcane bagasse and saw dust were considered for the pyrolysis process. The physical and chemical properties of the biomass wastes were analysed by using ultimate, proximate and thermo gravimetric analyses to find the elemental composition, moisture content, volatile matter, fixed carbon and ash contents and decomposition temperature respectively. Based on decomposition temperature from TGA, the biomass is subjected to pyrolysis process. The properties of the bio-oil were analysed by using standard methods and FTIR analyser to find the various functional groups present in the bio-oil. Based on the investigation, it is concluded that the bio-oil can be upgraded and used as alternate fuel in IC engines and also as a feedstock to produce value added compounds.