Finite element modelling and experimental validation of rapid pyrolysis of lignocellulosic biomass
Loading...
Date
Authors
Dutta, B.
Gariépy, Y.
Dev, S.R.S.
Raghavan, G.S.V.
Journal Title
Journal ISSN
Volume Title
Publisher
International Conference on Heat Transfer, Fluid Mechanics and Thermodynamics
Abstract
Paper presented at the 8th International Conference on Heat Transfer, Fluid Mechanics and Thermodynamics, Mauritius, 11-13 July, 2011.
Considerable research has been devoted towards determining the kinetics of the pyrolysis of lignocellulosic biomass such as wood residues and agricultural waste. In this study, we have developed a finite element model (FEM) in order to simulate the coupled heat and mass transfer phenomena during pyrolysis. The resulting sets of partial differential equations were then solved simultaneously using the COMSOL Multiphisics software package. This numerical modelling and simulation approach helped the visualization of the process. In this work, cylindrical sections of birch wood biomass were pyrolysed in a laboratory-scale thermal desorption unit. The influences of final pyrolysis temperature, and pyrolysis holding time on the biochar yields were investigated. Results showed that with increase in time and temperature, the yield of total pyrolysis products decreased. On the other hand, higher pyrolysis temperatures and holding times resulted in the increase of char content in the wood for fast pyrolysis. A technique to maximize the amount of char in the product was also identified through by optimizing the parameters within the temperature range of this study
Considerable research has been devoted towards determining the kinetics of the pyrolysis of lignocellulosic biomass such as wood residues and agricultural waste. In this study, we have developed a finite element model (FEM) in order to simulate the coupled heat and mass transfer phenomena during pyrolysis. The resulting sets of partial differential equations were then solved simultaneously using the COMSOL Multiphisics software package. This numerical modelling and simulation approach helped the visualization of the process. In this work, cylindrical sections of birch wood biomass were pyrolysed in a laboratory-scale thermal desorption unit. The influences of final pyrolysis temperature, and pyrolysis holding time on the biochar yields were investigated. Results showed that with increase in time and temperature, the yield of total pyrolysis products decreased. On the other hand, higher pyrolysis temperatures and holding times resulted in the increase of char content in the wood for fast pyrolysis. A technique to maximize the amount of char in the product was also identified through by optimizing the parameters within the temperature range of this study
Description
Keywords
Finite element modelling, FEM, Experimental validation, Rapid pyrolysis, Lignocellulosic biomass, COMSOL Multiphisics, Heat and mass transfer phenomena during pyrolysis
Sustainable Development Goals
Citation
Dutta, B, Dev, SRS, Gariépy, Y & Raghavan GSV 2011, Finite element modelling and experimental validation of rapid pyrolysis of lignocellulosic biomass, Paper presented to the 8th International Conference on Heat Transfer, Fluid Mechanics and Thermodynamics, Mauritius, 11-13 July, 2011.