Pyrolysis of Sunflower Press Bagasse: Heating Values and Energy Distribution of the Pyrolysis Products

Abstract

Fixed-bed pyrolysis experiments have been conducted on sunflower press bagasse to determine the possibility of being a potential source of renewable fuels. The effects of final pyrolysis temperature, heating rate, and pyrolysis atmosphere on the pyrolysis product yields have been investigated. The maximum bio-oil yield of 40.1% was obtained in a N 2 atmosphere at a final pyrolysis temperature of 450°C and a heating rate of 7°C/min. The heating values of pyrolysis products were determined and then the percentage distributions of energy in the pyrolysis products were calculated. The results were also compared to some solid, liquid, and gaseous fuels.