Pyrolysis characteristics and kinetics of microalgal Aurantiochytrium sp. KRS101

• Published in: Energy (Oxford) Vol. 118; pp. 369 - 376
• Main Authors: Vo, The Ky, Ly, Hoang Vu, Lee, Ok Kyung, Lee, Eun Yeol, Kim, Chul Ho, Seo, Jeong-Woo, Kim, Jinsoo, Kim, Seung-Soo
• Format: Journal Article
• Language: English
• Published: Oxford Elsevier Ltd 01.01.2017; Elsevier BV
• Subjects: Activation energy; Algae; Aurantiochytrium sp. KRS101; Biodiesel fuels; Biofuels; Biomass; Carbohydrates; Decomposition; Fuels; Kinetics; Lipids; Lumped kinetic model; Microalgae; Natural gas; Proteins; Pyrolysis; Rate constants; Raw materials; Reaction kinetics; Reactors; TGA; Thermogravimetric analysis; Thermogravimetry; Aurantiochytrium sp. KRS101; Pyrolysis; Microalgae; Lumped kinetic model; Activation energy; TGA
• ISSN: 0360-5442; 1873-6785
• DOI: 10.1016/j.energy.2016.12.040

Microalgae have recently attracted tremendous attention as a possible feedstock for biofuel production. In this study, the pyrolysis characteristics and kinetics of Aurantiochytrium sp. KRS101, a kind of heterotrophic oleaginous microalgae, were investigated by means of thermogravimetric analysis and pyrolysis in a micro-tubing reactor. Most biochemical components of the microalgae (carbohydrates, proteins, and lipids) were decomposed between 150 and 600 °C at heating rates of 5–20 °C/min. Derivative thermogravimetry (DTG) curves were deconvoluted to more fully understand the separate decompositions of carbohydrates, proteins, and lipids. Experimental results of pyrolysis in the micro-tubing reactor were consistent with the predictions of the proposed lumped kinetic model, and the kinetic rate constants indicated that the predominant reaction pathway under the investigated pyrolysis conditions was from biomass to bio-oil rather than from biomass to gas. •Systematic study and first attempt at pyrolysis of Aurantiochytrium sp. KRS101.•Investigation of pyrolysis characteristics and kinetics by means of non-isothermal TGA and isothermal pyrolysis experiments.•Study of the influence of pyrolysis conditions upon product yield distribution and composition.•Application of a quantitative kinetic model and mechanism study for pyrolysis of microalgae.