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Torrefaction of Sewage Sludge: Kinetics and Fuel Properties of Biochars

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  • Jakub Pulka

    (Faculty of Agronomy and Bioengineering, Poznan University of Life Sciences, 60-637 Poznanń, Poland
    Faculty of Life Sciences and Technology, Wrocław University of Environmental and Life Sciences, 50-375 Wrocław, Poland)

  • Piotr Manczarski

    (Department of Environmental Engineering, Faculty of Building Services, Hydro and Environmental Engineering, Warsaw University of Technology, 00-653 Warsaw, Poland)

  • Jacek A. Koziel

    (Department of Agricultural and Biosystems Engineering, Iowa State University, Ames, IA 50011, USA)

  • Andrzej Białowiec

    (Faculty of Life Sciences and Technology, Wrocław University of Environmental and Life Sciences, 50-375 Wrocław, Poland)

Abstract

We propose a ‘Waste to Carbon’ thermal transformation of sewage sludge (SS) via torrefaction to a valuable product (fuel) with a high content of carbon. One important, technological aspect to develop this concept is the determination of activation energy needed for torrefaction. Thus, this research aimed to evaluate the kinetics of SS torrefaction and determine the effects of process temperature on fuel properties of torrefied products (biochars). Torrefaction was performed using high ash content SS at six (200~300 °C) temperatures and 60 min residence (process) time. Mass loss during torrefaction ranged from 10~20%. The resulting activation energy for SS torrefaction was ~12.007 kJ·mol −1 . Initial (unprocessed) SS higher heating value (HHV) was 13.5 MJ·kg −1 . However, the increase of torrefaction temperature decreased HHV from 13.4 to 3.8 MJ·kg −1 . Elemental analysis showed a significant decrease of the H/C ratio that occurred during torrefaction, while the O/C ratio fluctuated with much smaller differences. Although the activation energy was significantly lower compared with lignocellulosic materials, low-temperature SS torrefaction technology could be explored for further SS stabilization and utilization (e.g., dewatering and hygienization).

Suggested Citation

  • Jakub Pulka & Piotr Manczarski & Jacek A. Koziel & Andrzej Białowiec, 2019. "Torrefaction of Sewage Sludge: Kinetics and Fuel Properties of Biochars," Energies, MDPI, vol. 12(3), pages 1-10, February.
    • Handle: RePEc:gam:jeners:v:12:y:2019:i:3:p:565-:d:205089
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    1. Huang, Yu-Fong & Sung, Hsuan-Te & Chiueh, Pei-Te & Lo, Shang-Lien, 2016. "Co-torrefaction of sewage sludge and leucaena by using microwave heating," Energy, Elsevier, vol. 116(P1), pages 1-7.
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    4. Andrzej Białowiec & Monika Micuda & Jacek A. Koziel, 2018. "Waste to Carbon: Densification of Torrefied Refuse-Derived Fuel," Energies, MDPI, vol. 11(11), pages 1-20, November.
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    11. Li Ma & Li Sha & Xingxin Liu & Shuting Zhang, 2021. "Study of Molding and Drying Characteristics of Compressed Municipal Sludge-Corn Stalk Fuel Pellets," Energies, MDPI, vol. 14(11), pages 1-15, May.
    12. Beata Jabłońska & Paweł Kiełbasa & Maroš Korenko & Tomasz Dróżdż, 2019. "Physical and Chemical Properties of Waste from PET Bottles Washing as A Component of Solid Fuels," Energies, MDPI, vol. 12(11), pages 1-17, June.
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    14. Siti Zaharah Roslan & Siti Fairuz Zainudin & Alijah Mohd Aris & Khor Bee Chin & Mohibah Musa & Ahmad Rafizan Mohamad Daud & Syed Shatir A. Syed Hassan, 2023. "Hydrothermal Carbonization of Sewage Sludge into Solid Biofuel: Influences of Process Conditions on the Energetic Properties of Hydrochar," Energies, MDPI, vol. 16(5), pages 1-16, March.
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