Parametric Study on Pyrolysis Conditions for the Yield and Phyco-chemical Characteristics of Biochar using Waste Cacao Pod Husk
Author : Requiero, Mariane Concepcion Javier
Major Adviser : Detras, Monet Concepcion M.
Committee Members : Alfafara, Catalino G.; Capunitan, Jewel A.
Year : 2017
Month : December
Type : Thesis
Degree: BS
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Abstract
The effects of pyrolysis conditions on the yield and physico-chemical characteristics of the biochar produced from waste cacao pod husk (CPH) was observed using a laboratory-scale batch pyrolysis reactor. Pyrolysis parameters such as temperature (300 and 600 °C), holding time (30 and 120 minutes), and particle size (0.125 and 2.00 mm) were varied following a 2³ factorial design. Statistical analysis using ANOVA at α = 0.05 revealed that all three factors are significant in predicting the yield of biochar. Both temperature (A) and holding time (B) has negative effect on the yield of biochar while particle size (C) has positive effect on the yield of biochar. Interactive effects such as temperature – holding time (AB), holding time – particle size (BC), as well as the three way interaction of all the parameters (ABC) were also found to significantly contribute to biochar yield. The effect on the physico-chemical characteristics of these parameters was also observed by conducting proximate analysis and higher heating value (HHV) determination on the CPH feedstock and the biochar. The HHV of CPH feedstock and the biochar was used to determine the energy recovery of CPH biochar and it was found that the highest mass (59.60 %) and energy (63.0047 %) yield was obtained at 300 °C, 30 minutes holding time and 2.00 mm particle size. The biochar produced was also evaluated using the Van Krevelen diagram for its possible fuel application. Results show that the CPH biochar produced falls in the region of anthracite solid fuel.
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