Session: 08-05-01: Energy-Related Multidisciplinary I

Paper Number: 142806

142806 - Modeling Lignocellulosic Pyrolysis: An Integral Approach to the Thermal Degradation of Corn Cob and Product Prediction 

This study delves into the pyrolysis of lignocellulosic biomass, specifically focusing on corn cob, to advance the understanding of thermal decomposition and the optimization of resulting products. Through the implementation of a detailed kinetic model, adjusted with experimental data, it has been able to accurately predict the composition of pyrolysis products, including non-condensable gases, bio-oil, and char. The results highlight the major influence of operational conditions, such as temperature and heating rate, on the quality and quantity of the generated products. The model validation was performed by comparing the predictions with experimental results available in the literature, showing exceptional concordance that underlines the reliability of our approach. This work not only provides valuable insights for the optimization of biomass pyrolysis but also establishes a solid foundation for the design of more efficient thermochemical processes, thus contributing to the sustainable production of energy and chemicals from renewable resources.

The article presents the evaluation of the efficacy of corn cob pyrolysis to generate value-added products and develop a predictive model that optimizes the process. For this, thermogravimetric analysis was used to determine the kinetic parameters and adjust a complex kinetic model. The operational variables examined included the pyrolysis temperature and heating rate. Model validation involved comparing the predictions with experimental results and published data.

The adjusted model accurately predicted the yields of bio-oil, non-condensable gases, and biochar. At pyrolysis temperatures of 650°C to 950°C, significant increases were observed in the production of H₂ (from 0.118 to 0.2462), CO (from 0.004 to 0.2567), and CO2 (from 0.0396 to 0.1456), while CH₄ production remained relatively constant (approximately 0.0035). Additionally, a yield of liquids derived from pyrolysis was recorded, rising to 70% under optimal conditions, then decreasing due to cracking effects. The fraction of non-condensable gases increased with temperature, exceeding 60% of the products at temperatures above 500°C. The char yield showed a considerable increase above 800°C, in addition to increasing with the lignin content.

From the model data, reduced regressions are presented, serving as supportive tools for elemental balances in biomass pyrolysis processes. These regressions offer practical utility in the context of mathematical particle models at the reactor scale that could be used for CFD modeling.

Corn cob pyrolysis presents as a viable process for the sustainable production of energy and chemicals, with the pyrolysis temperature as a critical parameter to maximize conversion efficiency. The developed model provides a valuable tool for predicting product yields, facilitating process optimization. This study highlights the importance of research in biomass conversion technologies, contributing to the generation of renewable energy solutions and the circular economy.

Presenting Author: Jorge Mario Mendoza Fandiño Universidad de Córdoba

Presenting Author Biography: Professor at Universidad de Córdoba.

Authors:

Rafael David Gómez Vásquez Universidad Pontificia Bolivairna
Antonio Bula Universidad del Norte
Jorge Mario Mendoza Fandiño Universidad de Córdoba
Diego a Camargo-Trillos Universidad Pontificia Bolivariana
Jesús David Rhenals Julio Universidad de Córdoba
Samuel Iván Bonilla Gracia Universidad de Córdoba
Alvaro Angel Arrieta Almario Universidad de Sucre