Systematic evaluation of pyrolysis processes and biochar quality in the operation of low-cost flame curtain pyrolysis kiln for sustainable biochar production.

Jayakumar, Anjali; Morrisset, David; Koutsomarkos, Vasileios; Wurzer, Christian; Hadden, Rory M.; Lawton, Linda; Edwards, Christine; Mašek, Ondřej

Abstract

Low-cost pyrolysis units such as flame curtain pyrolysis kilns are gaining popularity for biochar production. However, the processes that govern the working of such units are not well understood. Here, emissions, temperatures and mass loss are monitored in real-time during kiln operation, followed by extensive biochar sampling. We found that by adjusting the layering rates of feedstock during kiln operation, we can obtain a biochar yield (28 wt% with a fixed carbon content of 65 wt%) comparable to that produced from the same feedstock in a continuous-scale pyrolysis unit, highlighting the importance of systematic guidelines for optimal kiln operation.

Citation

JAYAKUMAR, A., MORRISSET, D., KOUTSOMARKOS, V., WURZER, C., HADDEN, R.M., LAWTON, L., EDWARDS, C. and MAŠEK, O. 2023. Systematic evaluation of pyrolysis processes and biochar quality in the operation of low-cost flame curtain pyrolysis kiln for sustainable biochar production. Current research in environmental sustainability [online], 5, article 100213. Available from: https://doi.org/10.1016/j.crsust.2023.100213

• Journal Article Type: Article
• Acceptance Date: Mar 14, 2023
• Online Publication Date: Mar 27, 2023
• Publication Date: Dec 31, 2023
• Deposit Date: Mar 31, 2023
• Publicly Available Date: Mar 31, 2023
• Journal: Current research in environmental sustainability
• Print ISSN: 2666-0490
• Publisher: Elsevier
• Peer Reviewed: Peer Reviewed
• Volume: 5
• Article Number: 100213
• DOI: https://doi.org/10.1016/j.crsust.2023.100213
• Keywords: Flame curtain pyrolysis; Low-cost homogeneous biochar; Combustion science; Emissions; Operating guidelines
• Public URL: https://rgu-repository.worktribe.com/output/1925283
• Additional Information: This article has been published with separate supporting information. This supporting information has been incorporated into a single file on this repository and can be found at the end of the file associated with this output.