Pyrolysis of coconut shell and its potential as fuel

Abstract

This paper deals with the pyrolysis of coconut shell in experimental conditions at different temperatures for varying time periods, to determine the suitable range for obtaining maximum percentage yield of charcoal. Pyrolysis under field conditions has been done to compare the percentage yield efficiency of charcoal with experimental results. The efficiency of pyrolysis in experimental conditions at a temperature of 300°C and 180 s time duration is 70%, while in field conditions the efficiency recorded is 27%. Coconut shell with a yield potential of 2 tonnes per hectare per year in India can fulfil the cooking and heating requirements of two families, with five members each, in rural sectors.