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Thermal treatment of Himalayan balsam: Tar and biochar analysis
Bioresource Technology Reports, Volume: 5, Pages: 164 - 169
Swansea University Authors:
Peter Holliman , Geraint Sullivan
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DOI (Published version): 10.1016/j.biteb.2019.01.007
Abstract
The practicality of Himalayan balsam as an alternative biomass material was considered throughout this investigation. However, due to the materials high-water content, thermal efficiency during pyrolysis was compromised as extra energy was required to remove free and bound water. A simple solution w...
| Published in: | Bioresource Technology Reports |
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| ISSN: | 2589014X |
| Published: |
2019
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| Online Access: |
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| URI: | https://cronfa.swan.ac.uk/Record/cronfa48283 |
| Abstract: |
The practicality of Himalayan balsam as an alternative biomass material was considered throughout this investigation. However, due to the materials high-water content, thermal efficiency during pyrolysis was compromised as extra energy was required to remove free and bound water. A simple solution which involved drying at ambient temperature in air, significantly lowered the moisture content, (65% reduction) this resulted in an increase in the bulk density of the material and lowering the thermal energy input of the process. The thermal decomposition process at 300–400 °C generated petroleum like compound; a mixture of volatile aromatic, linear and branched alkanes, and therefore a possible source for replenishment of hydrocarbon-based fuel. The solid remaining carbon generated (~35% mass of dry material) termed biochar showed adsorption properties to rhodamine B dye. The level of activity was increased upon activation using phosphoric acid. The activated biochar could be a promising adsorbent used to remove aqueous organic compounds. The thermal treatment of Himalayan balsam has potential in generating useful products such as bio-fuels and biochar. |
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| Keywords: |
Pyrolysis, Activated biochar, Biomass recycling, Thermal treatment, Bio-oil, Himalayan balsam |
| College: |
Faculty of Science and Engineering |
| Start Page: |
164 |
| End Page: |
169 |

