Pyrolysis of orange bagasse: Comparative study and parametric influence on the product yield and their characterization

A pyrex glass semi-batch reactor was used for the pyrolysis of orange bagasse screened at 425 mu m. The effect of temperature (350-600 degrees C), heating rate (25-100 degrees C min(-1)) and N-2 gas flow rate (0.1-0.5 L min(-1)) on the product yield was observed. The highest pyrolysis oil yield of 35.53 wt. % was achieved at a temperature of 525 degrees C; at a constant heating rate and N-2 gas flow rate of 75 degrees C min(-1) and 0.2 L min(-1). The H/C molar ratio of pyrolysis oil was 1.33 having an empirical formula of CH1.33O0.55 and an HHV of 21.72 MJ kg(-1). The pyrolysis oil had a smoky odour with a dark brownish colour. The presence of different compounds like naphthenes, paraffin, olefins, aromatics, esters, acids, phenols, oxygenates, aldehydes and furans makes it complex and highly acidic in nature. The carbon distribution range of the pyrolysis oil lies from C-2 to C-18 which is similar to other liquid petroleum products. The biochar has an HHV of 27.67 MJ kg(-1) because of the lower oxygen content than its parental biomass. The increase in the alkalinity (pH:8.1) of biochar finds application in neutralising soil acidity and improving crop yield.