Multivariate optimisation study and life cycle assessment of microwave-induced pyrolysis of horse manure for waste valorisation and management. (1st February 2021)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Mong, Guo Ren; Chong, Cheng Tung; Ng, Jo-Han; Chong, William Woei Fong; Ong, Hwai Chyuan; Tran, Manh-Vu
• Is Part Of: Energy. Volume 216(2021)
• Publication Date: 2021-02-01
• Subjects: Microwave pyrolysis -- Horse manure -- Full factorial design -- Optimisation -- Life cycle assessment; Power resources -- Periodicals; Power (Mechanics) -- Periodicals; Energy consumption -- Periodicals; 333.7905
• DOI: 10.1016/j.energy.2020.119194
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 0360-5442

Abstract

Abstract: The increasing amount of waste generated globally due to industrialisation and economic activities require a proper and efficient waste management route. Turning waste to energy via pyrolysis pathway is a promising solution to reduce the amount of waste while generating useful end products. In the present study, microwave pyrolysis of horse manure for the production of bio-fuels and bio-chemicals is conducted and optimised using a lab-scale reactor. Pyrolytic products derived from optimised parameters show that the energy density of bio-char increased by 38.7% with a surface area of 799.57 m 2 g -1 . The bio-oil was found to be enriched with phenolic content while the gaseous product contained high syngas proportion (67.17 vol%). A life cycle assessment (LCA) on the microwave pyrolysis of horse manure for a modelled pyrolysis plant located in Peninsula Malaysia has been conducted to evaluate the energy consumption, operation cost and environmental impact of each unit processes involved. Processing of horse manure via microwave-induced pyrolysis is demonstrated to be more advantageous as compared to the conventional pyrolysis of swine manure from the aspects of higher conversion efficiency, lower energy consumption and reduced environmental risk. Overall, the LCA of horse manure on microwave pyrolysis shows positive environmental impact as compared to other biowaste treatment methods such as composting and incineration. Graphical abstract: Image 1 Highlights: Microwave pyrolysis is effective in treating and valorising horse manure. Products for microwave pyrolysis are influenced by the temperature and catalyst. Optimised yields of biogas (39.2 wt%) and bio-oil (32.5 wt%) were achieved. Energy density of microwave-pyrolysed horse manure bio-char increased by 38.7%. Microwave pyrolysis reduces GWP more than other waste management methods.