Energy applications of biomass: Pyrolysis of apricot stone

Abstract

Apricot stone (Prunus armeniaca L.) was pyrolyzed in a directly heated fixed-bed reactor under nitrogen atmosphere. Effects of sweeping gas flow rates and pyrolysis temperature on the pyrolysis of the biomass were also studied. Pyrolysis runs were performed using reactor temperatures between 400 degrees C and 700 degrees C with heating rate of about 300 degrees C min(-1). As the pyrolysis temperature was increased, the percentage mass of char decreased while gas product increased. The product yields were significantly influenced by the process conditions. The bio-oil obtained at 550 degrees C, at which the liquid product yield was maximum, was analyzed. It was characterized by Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FT-IR). In addition, the solid and liquid products were analyzed to determine their elemental composition and calorific value. Chemical fractionation of bio-oil showed that only low quantities of hydrocarbons were present, while oxygenated and polar fractions dominated.