Catalytic pyrolysis of palm kernel shell waste in a fluidized bed

• Published in: Bioresource technology Vol. 167; pp. 425 - 432
• Main Authors: Kim, Sung Won, Koo, Bon Seok, Lee, Dong Hyun
• Format: Journal Article
• Language: English
• Published: Kidlington Elsevier Ltd 01.09.2014; Elsevier
• Subjects: Applied sciences; Arecaceae - chemistry; Biofuels - analysis; Biological and medical sciences; Bioreactors; Catalysis; Catalyst; Catalysts; Distillation; Exact sciences and technology; Fatty Acids - analysis; Fluidized bed; Fluidized beds; Fundamental and applied biological sciences. Psychology; Gas Chromatography-Mass Spectrometry; Gases - analysis; Hot Temperature; Nitriles - analysis; Oil wells; Palm; Palm shell waste; Petroleum engineering; Pollution; Pyrolysis; Shells; Transition Temperature; Waste Products - analysis; Wastes; Pyrolysis; Palm shell waste; Catalyst; Fluidized bed; Monocotyledones; Shell; Palm kernel; Angiospermae; Spermatophyta; Catalysis; Wastes; Palmae
• ISSN: 0960-8524; 1873-2976
• DOI: 10.1016/j.biortech.2014.06.050

•Catalytic pyrolysis of palm kernel shell was investigated in a fluidized bed.•Pyrolysis by zsm-5 and equilibrium FCC catalysts and alumina are compared.•Bio oil was characterized by low H/C and O/C molar ratios.•Catalytic pyrolysis oils had a high yield of nitriles originated from fatty acids. The catalytic pyrolysis of palm kernel shell was investigated in a fluidized bed with zsm-5 and equilibrium FCC (Ecat) catalysts. Catalytic pyrolysis oil yields were remarkably reduced and gas yields were increased due to the higher catalytic reaction of primary volatiles compared to non-catalytic pyrolysis. Char yields were affected by temperature and the pore structure of the catalysts. The pyrolysis oil was characterized by lower H/C and O/C molar ratios due to aromatization and deoxygenation of volatiles by the catalysts. The catalytic pyrolysis oils contained more oxygen and nitrogen and less sulfur than petroleum oils. The oils had a high concentration of nitriles, with a carbon number distribution similar to fatty acids. The catalytic pyrolysis oils featured high nitriles yield with Ecat and high aromatics yield in the light fraction with zsm-5, due to characteristics of the catalyst. The catalytic pyrolysis oils showed potentials as feedstocks for bio-diesel and chemicals.