Pyrolytic conversion of agricultural residue using continuous auger reactor for resource recovery.

In this research work, agricultural residue was pyrolytically converted in a continuous semi pilot auger reactor. Studies have been carried out with variation in operating conditions such as temperature, and its effect on product yield and quality has been analyzed comprehensively. It was found that with increase in temperature from 400 to 500 ℃, the oil yield increased; however, reduced on further increasing the temperature. The char yield decreased from 50 to 20 wt% and gas yield increased with rising temperature. For cotton stalk pyrolysis, maximum biochar yield of 51% was obtained at 400 ℃, whereas maximum bio-oil yield of 46.5% was obtained at 500 ℃. Maximum gas yield of 55% was obtained with mustard husk feedstock at 700 ℃ temperature. Water content of the cotton stalk bio-oil (35%) was found to be lower than mustard husk bio-oil (79%). The water content in bio-oil was found to enhance with increase in temperature. GC-MS analysis confirmed that different chemical value compounds are present in the bio-oils obtained from both cotton stalk and mustard husk. In addition, the chars obtained had a calorific value of 24.15 MJ/kg for cotton stalk and 24.57 MJ/kg for mustard husk. At 500 °C, biochar showed good thermal stability in TGA analysis and major weight loss occurred in the temperature range of 500–600 ℃. It was also observed that biochar contains high amount of micronutrients and can be used for improving crop productivity by partially replacing synthetic fertilizers. [Display omitted] • Continuous biomass pyrolysis studies were carried out in a semi pilot scale auger reactor. • Effect of temperature on product yields and bio oil chemical value was investigated. • Water content of CS bio-oil was found to be lower as compared to MH bio-oil. • Effect of process conditions on bio char properties was studied. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]