International Research Journal of Engineering and Technology (IRJET)
e-ISSN: 2395-0056
Volume: 13 Issue: 01 | Jan 2026
p-ISSN: 2395-0072
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Performance Evaluation and Techno-Economic Feasibility of a Developed Fast Pyrolysis Unit for Lemongrass Pyrolysis Madhura Rajendra Patil 1 National Innovation Foundation–India (NIF
‑India), Department of Science & Technology, Government of India, Gandhinagar, Gujarat, India 2 Department of Renewable Energy Engineering, College of Technology and Engineering (CTAE), Maharana Pratap University of Agriculture and Technology (MPUAT), Udaipur ---------------------------------------------------------------------***--------------------------------------------------------------------Abstract - Pyrolysis is thermal decomposition of biomass conducted in absence of oxygen at temperature of 400-600 °C for very short residence time of 2 seconds to produce bio-oil. In this study, pyrolysis of lemongrass was investigated with the aim to study the product distribution and their chemical compositions and to identify optimum process conditions for maximizing the bio-yield. Particular investigated process variables were temperature (450°C), heating rate (1050°C/min) and nitrogen gas flow rate (2.5 l/min). Proximate analysis and heating value of both bio-oil and raw material was investigated. The fuel properties of bio-oil such as flash point, fire point, viscosity, cloud point, pour point etc was also determined. The performance evaluation was carried out a proximate analysis of lemongrass and characterization of lemongrass oil and it was found that bio-oil (26.53%), biochar (34.61%) produced from lemongrass. The properties of lemongrass bio-oil were viscosity (29.9 cSt), flash point (294°C), fire point (353°C), cloud point (-7.2°C), pour point (-15.0°C), and Calorific value (26.5MJ/kg). It has been found that raw lemongrass contains Moisture content, volatile matter, ash and fixed carbon content 9.97, 83.88, 4.43and 11.69 % respectively. The lemongrass and such herbal and medicinal plants were presented as an environmentally friendly feedstock candidate for bio-oil.
Pyrolysis of biomass leads to formation of bio-char and vapors consisting of condensable and non-condensable gases. Quenching of vapors after its separation from char yields a liquid product which is known as bio-oil. Also a gaseous by-product that is referred to as non-condensable gas is obtained after quenching.
Keywords: lemon grass; pyrolysis; bio-oil, characterization, fixed-bed, economics analysis, etc.
A] Design of fixed-bed fast pyrolysis unit
In the present context the utilization of bio-oil especially for power production or thermal application is still under development and need further study for the standardization and quality improvement. However, bio-oil can substitute fuel oil or diesel in many static applications including boilers, furnaces, engines and turbines for electricity generation. Biooil is an attractive alternative energy source for many reasons. Most notably, it is completely renewable and easily created from common waste products. Using biomass feed stocks such as wood, wheat straws, and ground-nut shells. The pyrolysis process results in “net zero” carbon dioxide emissions. Keeping above points in mind research problem is formulated to design and develop fixed bed type fast pyrolysis unit for production of bio-oil by using crop residues.
MATERIALS AND METHODS
i. Design of reactor Choice of reactor type
INTRODUCTION
Choice of a reactor depends on several factors such as type, capacity, capital cost, yield and available feedstock, bulk density, volume. For example, a choice made from capital cost consideration may not give the best operating cost or highest yield, while one with the highest yield may not suit the available feedstock or may require high capital investment. Applying proper weight age to a selection criterion, one could make a final selection.
Biomass is viewed as a major world renewable carbonneutral energy source. Combustion of fuels derived from biomass is believed to be less polluting than that of fossil fuels. For these reasons conversion of biomass into fuels is gaining significant popularity worldwide. Biomass has always been an important energy sources for India considering the benefits it offers for power generation, cooking gas production and other valuable recycled products. It is renewable, widely available, carbon neutral and has potential to provide significant employment in the rural areas.
Heat transfer in reactor Conduction, Q Cond
Pyrolysis is thermal decomposition conducted in absence of oxygen at temperature 400-600°C for very short residence time of 2 seconds to produce liquid major product bio-oil.
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