Influence of temperature and duration of pyrolysis process on calorific value of cereal straw biochar and dust explosive index.

The challenges of the modern world largely concern the energy sector and determine the search for new envi- ronmentally friendly and, above all, renewable energy sources. We can consider biochar or materials obtained by pyrolysis as an alternative and green fuel. Substrates for the production of such fuels can be biomass of agricultural origin, including straw. In the present study, wheat straw, oat straw, and triticale straw were used to produce pyrolysates. This paper evaluates the modifica- tion of pyrolysis parameters by assessing selected properties of pyrolysates, focusing on the calorific value and parameters characterizing the dust explosion hazard. There was an average increase of 30% in the calorific value of all biocarbons prepared from the three types of straw in relation to the control sample. The anaerobic thermal treatment resulted in a maximum increase in the calorific value to 26.43 MJ kg -1. An increase in such parameters as dust explosive index, the maximum rate of pressure buildup and the maximum explosion pressure was found. However, there was no effect on the increase in the dust explosion risk. Noteworthy, the results indicate that it is possible to use various types of straw to produce biochar fuels by anaerobic thermal treatment without increasing the probability of dust explosion. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]