Modelling And Simulation Of Bio-Oil Production From Palm Oil Biomass Via Fast Pyrolysis Using Aspen Plus
Loading...
Date
2021-07-01
Authors
Ahmed Nassor, Akbar
Journal Title
Journal ISSN
Volume Title
Publisher
Universiti Sains Malaysia
Abstract
The increase in energy consumption, limited fuel resources, massive dependency on
fossil fuels, and greenhouse gas emission has resulted in increased research development on
renewable energy sources. Renewable energy is the best option for meeting the current energy
demands and reduce the dependence on fossil fuels. In this final year project, three palm oil
biomass, namely empty fruit bunches (EFB), mesocarp fibre (MF), and palm kernel shell (PKS)
were optimized to produce bio-oil via fast pyrolysis. Process modelling and simulation were
carried out using ASPEN PLUS V10.0. The simulation includes pre-treatment, fast pyrolysis
section, gas-solid separation, and bio-oil refining section. The model developed was
successfully validated with the experimental data obtained from literature. Then, the effect of
pyrolysis temperature and residence time during the fast pyrolysis of oil palm biomass were
studied to maximize the yield of bio-oil product. Based on the results, the maximum bio-oil
yields for EFB, MF, and PKS were 56.46 wt.%, 47.39 wt.%, and 44.03 wt.%, respectively,
obtained at a temperature of 550 °C and residence time of 2 s. PKS achieved the highest biochar
and gas yield of 49.77 wt.% and 37.21 wt.% at 450 °C and 600 °C, respectively due to its high
lignin content. The obtained yields in this study are consistent with experimental results found
in the literatures. Therefore, the model developed can be used to optimize fast pyrolysis process
for different biomass sources without the need to perform complex experimental investigations.
Such model will make an important contribution on the improvement and intensification of fast
pyrolysis of biomass.