ef5b02255_si_001.pdf (905.43 kB)
Biomass Pyrolytic Polygeneration of Tobacco Waste: Product Characteristics and Nitrogen Transformation
journal contribution
posted on 2015-12-14, 13:38 authored by Hanping Chen, Guiying Lin, Yingquan Chen, Wei Chen, Haiping YangConversion
of waste to high-value products by pyrolysis is a suitable and harmless
disposal technology for the abundant waste generated in the tobacco
industry. To determine the optimum operational parameters for biomass
pyrolytic polygeneration using tobacco waste as the feedstock, the
product characteristics and nitrogen transformation were investigated
from 250 to 950 °C. The highest low calorific values of gas and
char were 13 MJ/m3 at 750 °C and 15 MJ/kg at 450 °C,
respectively. The optimum operating temperature recommended for biomass
pyrolytic polygeneration of tobacco waste is 650 °C when the
three products (char, oil, and gas) are balanced. The char formation
process is divided into three stages: degradation (250–450
°C), reforming (450–650 °C), and condensation (>650
°C). Three types of N-containing structures are formed in chars:
pyridinic N, pyrrolic/pyridine N, and quaternary N. Pyridinic N is
dominant at low temperatures, whereas quaternary N becomes dominant
at high temperatures. N-containing volatiles escape from chars with
increasing temperature and are primarily found in oil below 550 °C
and in gas above 650 °C. N-containing compounds are the major
components (up to 45%) in the organic portion of oil, with pyridines,
pyrroles, and piperidines as the dominant forms. In the gas product,
NH3 and HCN are the major N-containing compounds released
above 650 °C. This study is expected to be beneficial for the
comprehensive utilization of tobacco waste.