Characterisation of sludge for pyrolysis conversion process based on biomass composition analysis and simulation of pyrolytic properties

Pyrolytic behaviour of sludge is highly complex and obscure because of its heterogeneous and diverse composition. Therefore, an analytical procedure is proposed to categorise and quantify the main constituents in sludge. In addition, a simulation study of sludge characteristics is carried out to complement the composition analysis and to improve our understanding on the relationship between composition of sludge and its corresponding properties. Different types of sludge samples were collected at different treatment stages from four Water Reclamation Plants in Singapore in two separate batches. Model compounds are selected to represent components identified and are used in simulation of pyrolytic properties of sludge. Constituents of sludge are adequately categorised, quantified and characterised in this study. Qualitative similarities and quantitative variations on characteristics of different sludge samples were identified. Comparison among the samples collected with the simulation provided insights on how differences in organic composition of sludge affected its properties.