Optimization of syngas production from co-gasification of palm oil decanter cake and alum sludge: An RSM approach with char characterization
Journal
Environmental Research
ISSN
0013-9351
Date Issued
2024-04
Author(s)
Kunmi Joshua Abioye
Noorfidza Yub Harun
Suriati Sufian
Mohammad Yusuf
Ahmad Hussaini Jagaba
Sharjeel Waqas
Bamidele Victor Ayodele
Hesam Kamyab
Manawwer Alam
Manish Gupta
Harjot Singh Gill
Shahabaldin Rezania
Shreeshivadasan Chelliapan
Kang Kang
Abstract
The study explores co-gasification of palm oil decanter cake and alum sludge, investigating the correlation between input variables and syngas production.
Operating variables, including temperature (700–900 °C), air flow rate (10–30 mL/min), and particle size (0.25–2 mm), were optimized to maximize syngas production using air as the gasification agent in a fixed bed horizontal tube furnace reactor.
Response Surface Methodology with the Box-Behnken design was used employed for optimization. Fourier Transformed Infra-Red (FTIR) and Field Emission Scanning Electron Microscopic (FESEM) analyses were used to analyze the char residue. The results showed that temperature and particle size have positive effects, while air flow rate has a negative effect on the syngas yield. The optimal CO + H2 composition of 39.48 vol% was achieved at 900 °C, 10 mL/min air flow rate, and 2 mm particle size.
FTIR analysis confirmed the absence of C─Cl bonds and the emergence of Si─O bonds in the optimized char residue, distinguishing it from the raw sample. FESEM analysis revealed a rich porous structure in the optimized char residue, with the presence of calcium carbonate (CaCO3) and aluminosilicates.
These findings provide valuable insights for sustainable energy production from biomass wastes.
Operating variables, including temperature (700–900 °C), air flow rate (10–30 mL/min), and particle size (0.25–2 mm), were optimized to maximize syngas production using air as the gasification agent in a fixed bed horizontal tube furnace reactor.
Response Surface Methodology with the Box-Behnken design was used employed for optimization. Fourier Transformed Infra-Red (FTIR) and Field Emission Scanning Electron Microscopic (FESEM) analyses were used to analyze the char residue. The results showed that temperature and particle size have positive effects, while air flow rate has a negative effect on the syngas yield. The optimal CO + H2 composition of 39.48 vol% was achieved at 900 °C, 10 mL/min air flow rate, and 2 mm particle size.
FTIR analysis confirmed the absence of C─Cl bonds and the emergence of Si─O bonds in the optimized char residue, distinguishing it from the raw sample. FESEM analysis revealed a rich porous structure in the optimized char residue, with the presence of calcium carbonate (CaCO3) and aluminosilicates.
These findings provide valuable insights for sustainable energy production from biomass wastes.