Effect of torrefaction on yield and quality of pyrolytic products of arecanut husk: An agro-processing wastes

- Torrefaction of arecanut husk was investigated at four different temperatures.
- Pyrolysis of both raw and torrefied areca husk was carried out from 300 to 600 °C.
- Physicochemical characterization of liquid and solid products were carried out.
- Raw and torrefied biochar were used as adsorbent to remove heavy metal from aqueous solutions.

In the present study, arecanut husk, an agro-processing waste of areca plam industry highly prevalent in the north-eastern region of India, was investigated for its suitability as a prospective bioenergy feedstock for thermo-chemical conversion. Pretreatment of areca husk using torrefaction was performed in a fixed bed reactor with varying reaction temperature (200, 225, 250 and 275 °C). The torrefied areca husk was subsequently pyrolyzed from temperature range of 300-600 °C with heating rate of 40 °C/min to obtain biooil and biochar. The torrefied areca husk, pyrolysis products were characterized by using different techniques. The energy and mass yield of torrefied biomass were found to be decreased with an increase in the torrefaction temperature. Further, biochar were found to be effective in removal of As (V) from aqueous solutions but efficiency of removal was better in case of torrefied biochar. Chemical composition of bio-oil is also influenced by torrefaction process.

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