Simulation of a Continuous Pyrolysis Reactor for a Heat Self-Sufficient Process and Liquid Fuel Production

• Published in: Energies (Basel) 2024-07, Vol.17 (14), p.3526
• Main Authors: Chavando, Antonio, Silva, Valter Bruno, Tarelho, Luís A. C., Cardoso, João Sousa, Eusebio, Daniela
• Format: Article
• Language: English
• Subjects: Alternative energy sources; Aluminum; autothermal pyrolysis; bio-oil; Biomass; Carbon dioxide; Climate change; Contamination; Ecosystems; Emissions; Energy resources; Greenhouse gases; Landfill; Municipal solid waste; Plastics; Pyrolysis; Raw materials; RDF; Renewable resources; Supply chains; Temperature; Waste materials
• ISSN: 1996-1073; 1996-1073
• DOI: 10.3390/en17143526

This study investigates the potential of utilizing pyrolysis byproducts, including char and non-condensable gases, as an energy source to promote autothermal pyrolysis. A total of six pyrolysis experiments were conducted at three distinct cracking temperatures, namely, 450 °C, 500 °C, and 550 °C. The experiments utilized two types of biomasses, i.e., 100% pine chips and 75% pine chips mixed with 25% refuse-derived fuels (RDF). The findings from the experiments were subsequently incorporated into a process simulation conducted on Aspen Plus for an energy balance and a techno-economic analysis. The results of the experiments revealed that the energy produced by the byproducts utilizing only pine chips is 1.453 kW/kg, which is enough to fulfill the energy demand of the pyrolysis reactor (1.298 kW/kg). However, when 25% of RDF is added, the energy demand of the reactor decreases to 1.220 kW/kg, and the produced energy increases to 1.750 kW/kg. Furthermore, adding RDF increases bio-oil’s lower heating value (LHV). The techno-economic study proposed three scenarios: optimistic, conservative, and tragic. The optimistic has a payback period (PBP) of 7.5 years and a positive net present value (NPV). However, the other two scenarios were unfavorable, resulting in unfeasibility.