Research on the co-pyrolysis characteristics of oil sludge and wheat straw

Abstract

Co-pyrolysis of oily sludge with biomass represents an efficient and resource-recycling strategy for waste valorization. However, conventional pyrolysis of oily sludge alone often suffers from low process efficiency, poor product quality, and significant secondary pollution risks. To address these limitations, this study investigates the co-pyrolysis behavior and synergistic effects between oil sludge (OS) and wheat straw (WS), aiming to enhance the efficiency of waste-to-energy conversion. The analysis includes TG studies and product yield distribution under varying thermal conditions (500–800°C). The results reveal that the co-pyrolysis of OS and WS significantly improves the pyrolysis efficiency compared to individual pyrolysis, especially in enhancing the yield of low molecular weight pyrolysis oils. Specifically, the addition of WS reduces the activation energy of OS pyrolysis and facilitates the production of aromatic compounds, particularly at a 1:1 mixture ratio. Furthermore, this study demonstrates pronounced synergistic effects during co-pyrolysis, with optimal synergy observed at elevated temperatures (>650°C) under low WS blending ratios. These findings contribute to the development of sustainable waste treatment methods, combining waste oil and biomass for enhanced energy recovery and reduced environmental impact.