Heliyon (Jan 2024)
Modeling and simulation of Khat waste fast pyrolysis for energy recovery
Abstract
Bioenergy is now recognized to be capable of providing the vast majority of predicted future renewable energy supply. Biomass is currently considered a common and commonly used renewable energy source. This study depends upon the investigation of khat waste using Aspen Plus software, which is required for creating environmentally friendly energy sources capable of improving our access to energy and economic sustainability. The outcome of the study is to understand the characteristics of the pyrolysis process without conducting a time-consuming, expensive, and complex procedure. The results of the investigation will be useful in determining the best feedstock for the formation of biofuel. Aspen Plus software simulates several ash-free organic components, including carbon, oxygen, nitrogen, hydrogen, and sulfur, with results like 45.72 % for carbon, 5.84 % for hydrogen, 0.43 % for nitrogen, and 38.56 % for oxygen. The production of biofuel is affected by processing parameters such as temperature and total mass flow rate. During reactions with the same mass but different temperatures, the bio-oil declined from 600 °C to 800 °C, while the maximum gas emission climbed quickly and the biochar reduced. In addition, it was recovered from Khat waste and proved to have an energy efficiency of 80.75 % and a net energy capacity of 134.25 kW. In addition, the High heating value (HHV) can be obtained from Khat waste is 19.38 MJ/kg, and low heating (LHV) can be 18.12 MJ/kg. We have been able to realize it using the Institute of Gas Technology formula based on ultimate analysis. The results show that Khat produces more oil than other wastes. As a result, all Khat waste is naturally occurring and Khat waste usually contains less nitrogen and no sulfur when used as fuel, which is an air pollutant reducing and protecting the environment.
