Evaluation of physiochemical, thermal and kinetic properties of wheat straw by demineralising with leaching reagents for energy applications. (1st January 2022)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Siddiqi, Muhammad Hamid; Liu, Xiao-min; Hussain, Muhammad Asif; Qureshi, Tayyab; Tabish, Asif Nadeem; Lateef, Hafiz Umair; Zeb, Hassan; Farooq, Muhammad; Nawaz, Saba; Nawaz, Saher
• Is Part Of: Energy. Volume 238:Part C(2022)
• Publication Date: 2022-01-01
• Subjects: Wheat straw -- Demineralization -- Acid and base leachants -- Thermogravimetric analysis -- Kinetic analysis; Power resources -- Periodicals; Power (Mechanics) -- Periodicals; Energy consumption -- Periodicals; 333.7905
• DOI: 10.1016/j.energy.2021.122013
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 0360-5442

Abstract

Abstract: The augmented concerns towards greenhouse emissions have stimulated the innovative technologies to reduce the carbon footprints and lessen the usage of fossil fuel by replacing them with biomass. Wheat straw is a biowaste and has a great potential for energy-production. However, the inorganic contents in the wheat straw cause operational problems such as low heat transfer and ash-deposition in combustion chamber leading to high maintenance requirements. Demineralization of wheat straw with various basic and acidic leaching reagents (NaOH, HCl, HNO3 ) was investigated in this study. The concentrations of leachants was varied from 0.6, 0.4 and 0.2M to study their effect on physical, chemical, thermal and kinetic behavior of the biomass. The 0.6 M HCl solution reduced the maximum ash content up to 92.71 % and raised the heating value to 3.98 % than raw wheat straw. The kinetic study of the samples treated with 0.6M HCl demonstrated the superior ignition and the activation-energy than other samples. On other hand NaOH damaged the structure of the wheat straw and had adverse effects on their physical and chemical properties. The results of the current study suggested that HCl treated wheat straw can provide a cost effective and eco-friendly solution for energy generation. Graphical abstract: Image 1 Highlights: Pre-combustion treatment of wheat straws was applied to produce clean energy. Demineralization with acidic leachants reduced the ash content up to 92.71 %. Heating values, activation energy was increased due to enhanced thermal stability. Acidic demineralization can make combustion eco-friendly and cost effective.