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Development and application of a continuous fast microwave pyrolysis system for sewage sludge utilization

  • Junwen Zhou
  • , Shiyu Liu
  • , Nan Zhou
  • , Liangliang Fan
  • , Yaning Zhang
  • , Peng Peng
  • , Erik Anderson
  • , Kuan Ding
  • , Yunpu Wang
  • , Yuhuan Liu
  • , Paul Chen
  • , Roger Ruan*
  • *Corresponding author for this work
  • Kunming University of Science and Technology
  • University of Minnesota Twin Cities
  • Nanchang University

Research output: Contribution to journalArticlepeer-review

Abstract

A continuous fast microwave-assisted pyrolysis system was designed, fabricated, and tested with sewage sludge. The system is equipped with continuous biomass feeding, mixing of biomass and microwave absorbent, and separated catalyst upgrading. The effect of the sludge pyrolysis temperature (450, 500, 550, and 600 °C) on the products yield, distribution and potentially energy recovery were investigated. The physical, chemical, and energetic properties of the raw sewage sludge and bio-oil, char and gas products obtained were analyzed using elemental analyzer, GC–MS, Micro-GC, SEM and ICP-OES. While the maximum bio-oil yield of 41.39 wt% was obtained at pyrolysis temperature of 550 °C, the optimal pyrolysis temperature for maximum overall energy recovery was 500 °C. The absence of carrier gas in the process may be responsible for the high HHV of gas products. This work could provide technical support for microwave-assisted system scale-up and sewage sludge utilization.

Original languageEnglish
Pages (from-to)295-301
Number of pages7
JournalBioresource Technology
Volume256
DOIs
StatePublished - May 2018
Externally publishedYes

UN SDGs

This output contributes to the following UN Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs)

  1. SDG 7 - Affordable and Clean Energy
    SDG 7 Affordable and Clean Energy

Keywords

  • Biochar
  • Continuous pyrolysis system
  • Energy recovery potential
  • Fast microwave-assisted pyrolysis
  • Sewage sludge

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