Optimization studies of microwave-induced co-pyrolysis of empty fruit bunches/waste truck tire using response surface methodology

• Main Authors: Rubia Idris, Cheng, Tung Chong, Jahimin A. Asik, Farid Nasir Ani
• Format: Article
• Language: English; English
• Published: 2020
• Subjects: Q Science (General); SB Plant culture
• Online Access: https://eprints.ums.edu.my/id/eprint/25373/1/Optimization%20studies%20of%20microwave-induced%20co-pyrolysis%20of%20empty%20fruit%20bunches%20waste%20truck%20tire%20using%20response%20surface%20methodology.pdf; https://eprints.ums.edu.my/id/eprint/25373/7/Optimization%20studies%20of%20microwave-induced%20co-pyrolysis%20of%20empty%20fruit%20bunches_waste%20truck%20tire%20using%20response%20surface%20methodology.pdf; https://eprints.ums.edu.my/id/eprint/25373/; https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jclepro.2019.118649
• Institution: Universiti Malaysia Sabah

The central composite design of RSM was utilised for the optimization of experimental conditions of microwave-assisted co-pyrolysis of empty fruit bunch (EFB) and waste truck-tire (TT) to maximise the co-pyrolysis oil and energy yield. The predicted maximum co-pyrolysis oil of 40.0 wt% and energy yield of 59.0% were obtained at the optimum conditions of 505 °C pyrolysis temperature, 65.0% of EFB ratio and 60.0 g of activated carbon loading. The reaction temperature and TT ratio in EFB feedstock were identified as the most significant variables that affect the oil and energy yield. A design of experiment was performed to determine the quality of liquid oil. The result indicates the co-pyrolysis oil (PO65) properties were significantly improved after adding TT to EFB biomass. Olefin-rich pyrolytic oil (39.0%) with high selectivity of D-limonene was produced (28.6%). While, the oxygenates and polyaromatics hydrocarbon were reduced to 9.9% and 7.4%, respectively. The energy recovery analysis shows that the optimised co-pyrolysis oil (PO65) was 20.0% higher as compared to the TT alone. In view of the improved yield and quality of co-pyrolysis oil (PO65), this work shows that co-pyrolysis of EFB/TT presents a viable method to produce diesel-like fuel using the microwave-assisted heating method.