Effect of Temperature and Residence Time on Product Yields during Fixed-Bed Pyrolysis of Siam Weed (Chromolaena Odorata)
1Adewumi, A. A., 2Olafimihan, E. O., 2Itabiyi, O. E., 1Ochin N. G., 1Arowosafe, K. O. and 3*Akinrinade, N. A.
1,National Centre for Agricultural Mechanization, Ilorin, Kwara State, Nigeria.
2Department of Mechanical Engineering, Faculty of Engineering, Ladoke Akintola University of Technology,
Ogbomoso, Oyo State, Nigeria.
3Department of Mechanical Engineering, College of Engineering, Bells University of Technology, Ota, Ogun State,
Nigeria
DOI: 10.36108/laujoces/6202.61.0120
Abstract
Thermochemical conversion of biomass into biofuels is a promising approach to renewable energy. The widespread proliferation of Siam weed in Nigeria, coupled with its limited utilization as an energy or chemical resource, has resulted in significant environmental concerns. This research investigated how selected operating parameters influence the distribution of products obtained from the pyrolysis of Siam weed using a fixed-bed reactor system. The biomass feedstock was sourced from the National Centre for Agricultural Mechanization, Ilorin, Kwara State, Nigeria. Prior to experimentation, 100 g of oven-dried Siam weed was charged into an airtight metallic retort for thermal conversion. The retort was then transferred to a furnace, wherein pyrolysis was performed. Initial trials happened at 300 °C, with residence time starting from 10 to 30 minutes in 5-minute intervals. This procedure was systematically repeated at increased temperatures of 350, 400, 450, and 500 °C. Following every run, the product yields of char, tar, and gas were quantified. The experimental outcomes established an extensive range in product yields depending on the pyrolysis conditions. The minimal char yield recorded was 35.85 wt% (at 500 °C), while the maximum reached 73.13 wt% (at 300 °C). Tar yields varied from a low of 7.07 wt% (at 300 °C) to a high of 16.55 wt% (at 450 °C). Gas production ranged from 19.81 wt% (at 300 °C) to 52.94 wt% (at 500 °C). This study highlights the tremendous capability of siam weed pyrolysis as a viable source for biofuels, contributing to sustainable development..
Keywords: Pyrolysis, Fixed bed reactor, Siam weed, Biofuels, Char, Tar and Gas.