GCB Bioenergy (Dec 2024)

Seasonal Harvesting Impact on Biomass Fuel Properties and Pyrolysis‐Derived Bio‐Oil Organic Phase Composition

  • Manqoba Shezi,
  • Sammy Lewis Kiambi,
  • Yusuf Makarfi Isa

DOI
https://doi.org/10.1111/gcbb.70011
Journal volume & issue
Vol. 16, no. 12
pp. n/a – n/a

Abstract

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ABSTRACT Thermochemical conversion of giant reed biomass during periodic variations has been carried out in a semi‐batch tubular reactor at 550°C. This study was carried out after the incineration of giant reed along the river banks. Four periodic variations, late spring (HS‐4), late summer (HS‐1), late autumn (HS‐2), and late winter (HS‐3) were considered to investigate the effect of harvest time on biomass fuel properties, pyrolysis product distribution, non‐condensable gas characterization, and bio‐oil organic phase (BOP) fuel properties. The considered biomasses herein had average calorific values of 18.86 ± 0.05, 19.73 ± 0.05, 19.23 ± 0.04, and 18.44 ± 0.04 MJ/kg during HS‐1, HS‐2, HS‐3, and HS‐4, respectively. The biomass, bio‐oil organic phase, biochar, and pyrolysis gas were characterized using thermogravimetric analysis (TGA), gas chromatography–mass spectroscopy (GCMS), Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR), micro‐GC, and scanning electron microscopy (SEM/EDS). The organic phase of bio‐oil was isolated using a 125 mL separating funnel, allowing natural stratification of the immiscible phases. BOP yield increased from 5 to 11 wt% during HS‐4 and HS‐3, respectively. Higher heating values (HHV) of the BOP ranged from 19.4 ± 0.03 to 22.6 ± 0.02 MJ/kg in relation to the active growth stage and senescence‐dormant phase. Physical and chemical properties (TAN, density, viscosity, water content, and CHNS) and chemical compound groups of organic phase bio‐oil were analyzed. The produced BOP was rich in phenolics for all considered periods. The effect of harvest time showed that biomass and bio‐oil organic phase fuel properties are improved during the senescence‐dormant period. As a result, giant reed biomass should be harvested during autumn to avoid incineration that releases carbon dioxide into the atmosphere and will also reduce the occurrence of artificial flooding.

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