Process optimization of an auger pyrolyzer with heat carrier using response surface methodology.
A 1 kg/h auger reactor utilizing mechanical mixing of steel shot heat carrier was used to pyrolyze red oak wood biomass. Response surface methodology was employed using a circumscribed central composite design of experiments to optimize the system. Factors investigated were: heat carrier inlet temperature and mass flow rate, rotational speed of screws in the reactor, and volumetric flow rate of sweep gas. Conditions for maximum bio-oil and minimum char yields were high flow rate of sweep gas (3.5 standard L/min), high heat carrier temperature (∼600 °C), high auger speeds (63 RPM) and high heat carrier mass flow rates (18 kg/h). Regression models for bio-oil and char yields are described including identification of a novel interaction effect between heat carrier mass flow rate and auger speed. Results suggest that auger reactors, which are rarely described in literature, are well suited for bio-oil production. The reactor achieved liquid yields greater than 73 wt.%.
Department of Mechanical Engineering, Iowa State University (ISU), Ames, IA 50011, USA.
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Brown
D018533:Biomass; D019149:Bioreactors; D001709:Biotechnology / Q000295:instrumentation* / Q000379:methods*; D006358:Hot Temperature; D008956:Models, Chemical; D010938:Plant Oils / Q000737:chemistry; D012044:Regression Analysis; D014866:Waste Products / Q000032:analysis; D003313:Zea mays / Q000737:chemistry
D010938:Plant Oils; D014866:Waste Products