Optimization of bio-crude yield and its calorific value from hydrothermal liquefaction of bagasse using methanol as co-solvent. (1st April 2022)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Yerrayya, A.; Nikunj, A.; Prashanth, P. Francis; Chakravarthy, S.R.; Natarajan, Upendra; Vinu, R.
• Is Part Of: Energy. Volume 244(2022)Part B
• Publication Date: 2022-04-01
• Subjects: Bagasse -- Hydrothermal liquefaction -- Bio-crude -- Factorial design -- Optimization -- Energy recovery; Power resources -- Periodicals; Power (Mechanics) -- Periodicals; Energy consumption -- Periodicals; 333.7905
• DOI: 10.1016/j.energy.2022.123192
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 0360-5442

Abstract

Abstract: Hydrothermal liquefaction is a promising resource recovery technique to valorize wet lignocellulosic agro residues. In this study, hydrothermal liquefaction of bagasse was performed at different temperatures (280, 300, 320 °C), reaction times (15, 30, 45 min), and amount of KOH catalyst (5, 7.5, 10 wt%) in the presence of methanol as a co-solvent. The process conditions were optimized using response surface methodology to maximize the yield of bio-crude and its higher heating value (HHV). Maximum bio-crude yield of 36.3 wt% was obtained at 320 °C, 15 min and 10 wt% KOH. The bio-crude yield was found to depend on temperature, amount of KOH, and the interaction of reaction time and amount of KOH. Maximum HHV of bio-crude (34.6 MJ kg −1 ) was recorded at 320 °C, 45 min and 10 wt% KOH, and this condition corresponded to highest deoxygenation achieved in the bio-crude. The major organic constituents in the bio-crude were cyclo-oxygenates, phenolics, and esters, and their combined selectivity was 78–83%. Maximum energy recovery of 56% was obtained. The energy content of the solid residue was high (∼23 MJ kg −1 ) at the center point corresponding to 300 °C, 30 min and 7.5 wt% KOH. The process exhibited positive energy gain with favorable sustainability metrics. Graphical abstract: Image 1 Highlights: Optimization of operating conditions was performed using 2 3 -full factorial design. Addition of methanol to water at 50 v/v improved the bio-crude yield upto 36.3 wt%. At 320 °C, 45 min and 10 wt% KOH loading, HHV of bio-crude was 34.6 MJ kg −1 Bio-crude was rich in phenolics, esters and cyclopentenone derivatives. Maximum deoxygenation achieved in the bio-crude was 84%.