Neonjyoti Bordoloi

Pyrolysis of Mesua ferrea and Pongamia glabra seed cover: Characterization of bio-oil and its sub-fractions

In the present study, pyrolysis of Mesua ferrea seed cover (MFSC) and Pongamia glabra seed cover (PGSC) was performed to investigate the characteristics of bio-oil and its sub fractions. In a fixed bed reactor, the effect of temperature (range of 350-650 °C) on product yield and quality of solid product were monitored. The maximum bio-oil yield of 28.5 wt.% and 29.6 wt.% for PGSC and MFSC respectively was obtained at 550 °C at heating rate of 40 °C/min. The chemical composition of bio-oil and its sub fractions were investigated using FTIR and (1)H NMR. GC-MS was performed for both PGSC and MFSC bio-oils and their corresponding n-hexane fractions. The results showed that bio-oil from the feedstocks and its sub-fractions might be a potential source of renewable fuel and value added chemicals.

Biosorption of Co (II) from aqueous solution using algal biochar: Kinetics and isotherm studies

The present investigation deals with the utilization of biochar derived from the pyrolysis of microalgae Scenedesmus dimorphus as an adsorbent for the removal of cobalt (II) ion (Co) from aqueous solution. A series of experiments were conducted in a batch system to evaluate the performance of the biochar for Co removal. The effect of contact time on adsorption of Co (II) onto surface of the biochar was investigated. The equilibrium sorption data were analyzed by using Langmuir, Freundlich, Temkin, Harkins-Jura and Dubinin-Radushkevich (D-R) isotherms and were found to be adequate in describing the Co adsorption onto the biochar. Equilibrium data were well fitted for Freundlich, Temkin and D-R isotherms. The kinetic study of Co (II) adsorption on microalgae biochar were described by applying pseudo-first-order and pseudo-second-order rate equations. The surface of adsorbent before and after the removal of Co (II) was characterized by using SEM, EDX and XRD analysis.

Effect of torrefaction on yield and quality of pyrolytic products of arecanut husk: An agro-processing wastes

In the present study, arecanut husk, an agro-processing waste of areca plam industry highly prevalent in the north-eastern region of India, was investigated for its suitability as a prospective bioenergy feedstock for thermo-chemical conversion. Pretreatment of areca husk using torrefaction was performed in a fixed bed reactor with varying reaction temperature (200, 225, 250 and 275°C). The torrefied areca husk was subsequently pyrolyzed from temperature range of 300-600°C with heating rate of 40°C/min to obtain biooil and biochar. The torrefied areca husk, pyrolysis products were characterized by using different techniques. The energy and mass yield of torrefied biomass were found to be decreased with an increase in the torrefaction temperature. Further, biochar were found to be effective in removal of As (V) from aqueous solutions but efficiency of removal was better in case of torrefied biochar. Chemical composition of bio-oil is also influenced by torrefaction process.

Complete utilization of non-edible oil seeds of Cascabela thevetia through a cascade of approaches for biofuel and by-products

Lipid-rich biomass, generally opted for biodiesel production, produces a substantial amount of by-product (de-oiled cake and seed cover) during the process. Complete utilization of Cascabela thevetia seeds for biofuel production through both chemical and thermochemical conversion route is investigated in the present study. Various properties of biodiesel produced was characterized and compared with those obtained from similar oil seeds. The by-products of the chemical process were used as a feedstock for pyrolysis at different temperatures in a fixed bed reactor. Maximum bio-oil yields of 29.11% and 26.18% were observed at 500°C. The bio-oil obtained at optimum yield was characterized by CHN analyzer, NMR and FTIR spectroscopy. The biochar produced was further characterized by SEM-EDX, XRD and FTIR along with elemental analysis to explore its utilization for various purposes. The present investigation depicts a new approach towards complete utilization of lipid-rich bio-resources to different types of biofuels and biochar.

Fabrication of biochars obtained from valorization of biowaste and evaluation of its physicochemical properties

This study investigated the yields and the physicochemical properties of biochar from three different feedstocks viz., i) bioenergy byproducts (deoiled cakes of Jatropha carcus and Pongamia glabra), ii) lignocellulose biomass (Jatropha carcus seed cover), and iii) a noxious weed (Parthenium hysterophorus), obtained through slow pyrolysis at a heating rate of 40°Cmin-1 with a nitrogen flow 100mlmin-1 at a temperature range of 350-650°C. For successful utilization of biochar for C-sequestration, its ability to resist abiotic or biotic degradation was deduced from recalcitrance index R50 by using TG analysis. It was observed that the biochar produced at higher temperature had higher water holding capacity (WHC) and pH, suggesting its suitability as an amendment in soil with low water retention capacity; thus biochar may be designed to selectively improve soil chemical and physical properties by altering feedstocks and pyrolysis conditions. Biochar produced at 650°C had highest yield in the range of 28.52-39.9 wt.%.

Cogeneration of Heat and Electricity from Biomass in India: Current Status and Future Challenges

Energy generation from waste or residual biomass has gained significant importance in light of the ongoing “biomass carbon neutrality” debate. Seasonal agro-residue biomass by-products meet the standard of carbon neutrality because emission burden from such by-products is very minimal or almost zero from a life cycle prospective. Development of advanced and efficient technology such as cogeneration or combined heat and power (CHP) to tap the energy potential of residual biomass is crucial. Cogeneration is a process in which energy is recovered from by-products for simultaneous production of process heat and power to generate electricity. Studies around the world have demonstrated sugar mill cogeneration as an attractive low-cost power option. India is the world 2nd largest producer of sugarcane, and many sugar mills in the country are traditionally using sugarcane bagasse cogeneration technology for heat and power. Moreover, many Indian states have surplus biomass and bio-wastes especially in the form of agricultural residues and are capable to implement biomass-based cogeneration. However, a majority of them have failed to properly utilize the resources for cogeneration and, therefore, actual generation is far below than potential. The present study explores the biomass and bio-wastes potential for power generation in India and the technologies adopted with particular focus on cogeneration. We observed high biomass potential in India, but variation in the tariff of biomass-based power among the states is a major hindrance for the Indian biomass power sector. The government programmes/policies have a major role to play in enhancing the growth of biomass-based technologies in the states with high biomass resources potential. We recommend a precise, up-to-date biomass database down to the scale of village level and complete knowledge of the existing and state-of-the-art technologies for the success of biomass power in India. Selection of the appropriate technology to suit a particular biomass fuel(s) for a given geographical location is also important.

Feedstock Suitability for Thermochemical Processes

Biomass resources and their utilization offer a new paradigm of research in the changing world faced with diverse problems related to fossil fuel use for most of the energy needs of the society. This chapter discusses the unique characteristics of various biomass resources with varied composition and properties. Thermochemical biomass conversion methods offer greater flexibility in terms of usability of almost all types of biomass as feedstock and end product for further conversion to fuels and chemicals. However, thermochemical conversion efficiency is an area requiring attention from researchers, as certain biomass constituents and their inherent properties pose technological challenges during conversion. Various ways to mitigate these problems are being researched and are discussed in this chapter.

Sidestreams From Bioenergy and Biorefinery Complexes as a Resource for Circular Bioeconomy

One of the main drivers for the establishment of biorefineries and the drive toward bioeconomy is the call for sustainability. However, the modern-day biorefinery must embrace on the concept of who ...

Adsorption of Methylene blue and Rhodamine B by using biochar derived from Pongamia glabra seed cover

Biochar obtained through the pyrolysis of Pongamia glabra seed cover (PGSC) at 550 °C with a heating rate of 40 °C/min was characterized and its ability to adsorb the dyes Methylene blue (MB) and Rhodamine B (RB) from aqueous solutions was investigated. The effect of pH, temperature and initial concentration of the dyes on adsorption behavior were investigated. The equilibrium sorption data were analyzed by using Langmuir, Freundlich, Temkin, and Dubinin-Radushkevich (D-R) isotherms. Equilibrium data were well fitted for D-R isotherm in case of MB and Langmuir isotherm in case of RB dyes. The kinetics of dye adsorption on PGSC biochar was well described by applying pseudo-second-order rate equations. The surface of adsorbent before and after the removal of dyes was characterized by using scanning electron microscopy (SEM) and Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR) analysis. The study suggested that PGSC biochar could be used as a highly efficient adsorbent for the removal of synthetic dyes.

An Assessment on Indian Government Initiatives and Policies for the Promotion of Biofuels Implementation, and Commercialization Through Private Investments

Energy has emerged as one of the most critical issues governing the economic, political, environmental, and social development of countries directly or indirectly. Availability of clean, efficient, affordable, and reliable energy is at the center of global prosperity and sustainable development. For developing counties like India, expanded access to dependable and modern energy service is a must for their fight against poverty and low living conditions of their citizens, while meeting objectives like increasing productivity, growing competitiveness, and improving economic growth at the same time.