Gasification of Raw, Roasted and Carbonized Cashew Shells in a Fixed-Bed Co-current Gasifier | Chapter 2 | Current Research on Geography, Earth Science and Environment Vol. 4

 

The utilization of agricultural residues for power generation is an opportunity to reduce fossil fuel usage and foster a sustainable circular economy. The gasification of agricultural residues in some localities in Burkina Faso has made it possible to access electricity. However, the majority of gasifiers in operation in Burkina Faso are shut down, for technical reasons and because of the lack of mastery of the technology. The utilization of agricultural residues for power generation is an opportunity to reduce fossil fuel use and foster a promotion of renewable energy.  The present study focuses on the improvement of gas quality by gasification of raw and cashew shells, heat treatment by roasting and carbonization. The gasifier is a fixed-bed, co-current batch mode, with a throat. It has a thermal power of around 30 kW. It meets the need for low electrical power of the order of 10kWe. It has a double wall with a height of 153 cm and a diameter of 50 cm, and a double air injection. Improving the quality of the gas, consisting of reducing the balsam content contained in the raw shells. As well as the improvement of the physico-chemical characteristics of the shells. And this is done through the roasting and carbonization process. The tests carried out aim to evaluate the energy performance of the gasifier and analyse the gas composition resulting from the gasification of raw, roasted and carbonized cashew shells. Four Types K thermocouples, with a measuring range of -50°C to 400°C and class 2 accuracy in accordance. The parameters studied are the energy efficiency of the gasifier and the energy capacity of the gas. Four type K thermocouples, with a measuring range of −50˚C to +400˚C and class 2 accuracy in accordance with standard EN 60584-2, are connected to a data logger to monitor the temperature inside the reactor. The study showed that the energy yields of the gasifier by gasification of raw, roasted and carbonized hulls are respectively 47.5, 28.32 and 31.48%. The specific production rate of the gas is 28.3, 132.76 and 155.32 kg/m2.h respectively for raw, roasted and charred hulls. The gasification times of raw, roasted and charred bulls are 224.33 respectively 201 and 211 minutes. The composition of syngas shows that the gas produced from cashew shells is low in energy. Indeed, the LHV of gas from the raw, roasted and carbonized hulls are 3.1, respectively; 2.1 and 2.87 MJ/N.m3. The study of the gasification of raw and heat-treated hulls shows that the quality of the gas is improved, as is the energy performance of hull gasification. However, the Lower Heating Value of the gas from pre-treated hulls is not improved by torrefaction and carbonization of the hulls. The study concluded that gasifying cashew nut shells—especially those discarded by processing units—can be valuable for heat and electricity production.

 

 

Author(s) Details

Bénéwindé Edwige 2ème Jumelle Ouédraogo
Institut de Recherche en Sciences Appliquées et Technologies (IRSAT), Centre National de la Recherche Scientifique et Technologique (CNRST), Ouagadougou, Burkina Faso and Laboratoire de Physique et de Chimie de l’Environnement (LPCE), Université Joseph KI-ZERBO, Ouagadougou, Burkina Faso.

 

Gado Harouna Ibrahim
Faculté des Sciences et Technique, Université Dan Dankoulodo de Maradi, Maradi, Niger.

 

Wend-Kuni Gisele Bilgo
Laboratoire de Physique et de Chimie de l’Environnement (LPCE), Université Joseph KI-ZERBO, Ouagadougou, Burkina Faso.

 

Tizane Daho
Laboratoire de Physique et de Chimie de l’Environnement (LPCE), Université Joseph KI-ZERBO, Ouagadougou, Burkina Faso.

 

Oumar Sanogo
Institut de Recherche en Sciences Appliquées et Technologies (IRSAT), Centre National de la Recherche Scientifique et Technologique (CNRST), Ouagadougou, Burkina Faso.

 

Antoine Bere
Laboratoire de Physique et de Chimie de l’Environnement (LPCE), Université Joseph KI-ZERBO, Ouagadougou, Burkina Faso.

 

Please see the book here :- https://doi.org/10.9734/bpi/crgese/v4/6493

Sustainable Biofuel Production from Agricultural Waste: Advances in Biochemical and Thermochemical Conversion Pathways | Chapter 8 | Current Research Progress in Agricultural Sciences Vol. 6

Introduction: Agricultural waste represents an underutilized renewable resource with significant potential for biofuel production. As global energy demands increase and climate change concerns intensify, the need for sustainable alternatives to fossil fuels has become critical. Agricultural residues and by-products offer a promising feedstock option that avoids competition with food production while addressing waste management challenges. These materials, primarily composed of lignocellulosic biomass, can be converted through various biological and thermochemical processes to produce liquid biofuels and biogas, potentially contributing to greenhouse gas mitigation efforts while supporting rural economies.

Aim: This study aims to evaluate the latest advancement in the production of biofuels from agricultural waste.

Materials and Methods: The study examines various types of agricultural waste, including crop residues, animal manure, and agro-industrial by-products, analysing their composition and suitability for biofuel production. Different conversion pathways are investigated, including fermentation, anaerobic digestion, pyrolysis, and gasification. The research evaluates pretreatment methods, enzyme production pathways, and synthesis processes for various biofuels like ethanol, butanol, and diesel substitutes. Case studies of operational plants and feasibility studies are analysed to assess technical and economic viability at commercial scale. Environmental impact assessments focus on greenhouse gas emissions, soil nutrient cycling, and sustainability metrics.

Results: The analysis reveals that agricultural waste can be effectively converted to biofuels through multiple pathways, each with specific advantages and challenges. Fermentation and anaerobic digestion show promising results for bioethanol and biogas production, while thermochemical processes demonstrate potential for producing advanced liquid fuels. Case studies indicate that commercial-scale operations are technically feasible, though economic viability varies with feedstock availability and processing efficiency. Environmental assessments show significant greenhouse gas reductions compared to fossil fuels, with additional benefits in waste management and soil nutrient recycling when properly implemented.

Discussion: While agricultural waste shows promise as a biofuel feedstock, several challenges must be addressed for widespread adoption. These include feedstock logistics, seasonal availability, and heterogeneous composition affecting conversion efficiency. Pretreatment technologies and process optimization remain critical areas for improvement. Economic viability depends on scale, technology selection, and policy support. Environmental benefits are significant but require careful management of soil health and nutrient cycling. Future research should focus on improving conversion efficiencies, developing integrated biorefinery concepts, and establishing sustainable supply chains.

Conclusion: Agricultural waste represents a viable and sustainable feedstock for biofuel production when integrated with appropriate conversion technologies. The review finds that while technical feasibility has been demonstrated at various scales, continued advancement in pretreatment technologies, process efficiency, and supply chain management is needed. Environmental benefits are substantial, particularly in greenhouse gas mitigation and waste management. Success in commercialization will require supportive policy frameworks, improved technology integration, and demonstration of long-term sustainability. The sector shows significant potential for contributing to renewable energy goals while supporting agricultural waste management and rural development.

 

Author (s) Details

 

Francis Mekunye
Auburn University, Alabama, USA.

 

Peter Makinde
Ohio University, Athens, USA.

 

Please see the book here:- https://doi.org/10.9734/bpi/crpas/v6/3285

Awareness Adds to Knowledge. Stage of the Art Waste Processing Facilities and Industrial Waste Treatment Development | Chapter 10 | Current Approaches in Science and Technology Research Vol. 4

 Annually, over 2 billion tonnes of municipal solid waste (MSW) are created worldwide, with a growing tendency. Diverse countries have different techniques and techniques to combat the ever-growing garbage problem, with varying levels of sustainability. Waste can be dealt in a variety of ways, and the importance of activities related to the circular economy, for example, has lately been recognised on the sustainability front. The value of recycling is also recognised, and fortunately, the waste management sector is moving toward more holistic approaches and attempting to reduce trash discharge to landfills. However, landfills will almost certainly continue to exist in some form for waste that cannot be recycled or disposed of in any other way. To restrict the amount of garbage transported to landfills and to manage landfills more efficiently, it is necessary to understand what kind of landfills will be regarded necessary and why. This investigation examined one of the most efficient and modern state-of-the-art waste facilities from a technical and waste processing standpoint. Based on the information gathered, the authors propose technologically based solutions for addressing waste handling/processing issues and reducing the need for landfills.

Author(s) Details

Maria Kilpeläinen
Lappeenranta–Lahti University of Technology LUT, School of Engineering Science, Yliopistonkatu 34, 53850 Lappeenranta, Finland.

Ari Happonen
Lappeenranta–Lahti University of Technology LUT, School of Engineering Science, Yliopistonkatu 34, 53850 Lappeenranta, Finland.

View Book :- https://stm.bookpi.org/CASTR-V4/article/view/1044