Gasification versus fast pyrolysis bio-oil production: A life cycle assessment. (15th February 2022)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Alcazar-Ruiz, A.; Ortiz, M.L.; Dorado, F.; Sanchez-Silva, L.
• Is Part Of: Journal of cleaner production. Volume 336(2022)
• Publication Date: 2022-02-15
• Subjects: Life cycle assessment -- Gasification-FT -- Fast pyrolysis -- Agricultural waste biomass -- GWP -- Aspen Plus®; Factory and trade waste -- Management -- Periodicals; Manufactures -- Environmental aspects -- Periodicals; Déchets industriels -- Gestion -- Périodiques; Usines -- Aspect de l'environnement -- Périodiques; 628.5
• DOI: 10.1016/j.jclepro.2022.130373
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 0959-6526

Abstract

Abstract: A life cycle assessment was performed to compare the sustainability of gasification and fast pyrolysis processes for producing bio-oil using agricultural wastes from biomass. The objective was to carry out the environmental analysis associated with the production of 1 MJ bio-oil using different agricultural wastes biomasses for both thermochemical processes to determine which process is more respectful with the environment. The life cycle assessment revealed that gasification was more detrimental to the environment for all agricultural biomasses under study. In addition, greenhouse gas emissions over a 100-year time horizon were calculated, thereby demonstrating that CO2 yield emissions were higher than those for CH4 and N2 O in both thermochemical processes. Furthermore, to gain a comprehensive overview, both thermochemical processes were divided into different equipment blocks to evaluate their individual impacts. Almond shell, pistachio shell and olive stone were identified as the biomasses for which minor amount of feed was needed to produce 1 MJ bio-oil. This assessment determined that the gasification stage of the gasification process and the separation stage for fast pyrolysis, were the main contributors to all mid-point impact categories. Finally, fast pyrolysis was the most environmentally friendly option for producing 1 MJ bio-oil. Graphical abstract: Image 1 Highlights: Gasification and fast pyrolysis comparison for bio-oil production was carried out. Gasification was more detrimental to the environment for all agricultural wastes. Mid-point impacts showed fast pyrolysis was the most environmental-friendly option. Gasification block was the main contributor to all studied impacts. Separation stage of fast pyrolysis had the highest negative environmental impact.