Auger reactor for biomass fast pyrolysis: Design and operation

Abstract

Pyrolysis represents a process of renewable energy recovery, using thermochemical methods of combustion it is possible to heat biomass i.e. residues such as sawdust, bagasse and pine wood to obtain a liquid fuel known as bio-oil. This bio-oil finds application in Chemical industry and suitable upgradation can make it a petroleum substitute. The byproduct of this process is a solid residue known as bio-char, which has the potential to be used as an excellent climate change mitigation tool if mixed with soil, acts as an excellent amendment. This paper highlights the work done with a Twin screw reactor or auger reactor, temperature profiles of near 500°C has been studied, biomass used has been sawdust and bagasse. Analysis for the solid bio-fuel i.e. biochar has been given along with proximate and ultimate analysis of biomass feedstocks. System limitation has been profiled and issues related to bio-oil production have been addressed. Design changes have been suggested in the existing system using Solidworks software to optimize the existing design where this experimentation has been done. It is believed the design changes would make the facility more efficient. Nitrogen gas has been used to maintain velocity profile of the biomass particles inside the reactor. This work does not have the food vs fodder conflict as it shows biomass feeds used are primarily wood wastes and sugar industry by-products.