Investigation of Pyrolysis of Walnut Shells and Pyrolysis Oil Quality

Abstract

The energy demand is increasing in parallel with the technological developments and population in the world. Fossil fuels are the main source for this demand. As a result of energy production from fossil fuels, natural environment is adversely affected. Furthermore, many countries depend on the fossil fuels for their energy need. Researchers have been interested in alternative energy sources such as solar, biomass, and wind. There are many studies for investigating pyrolysis of lignocellulosic biomass. Studies mainly focused on the chemical structure of pyrolysis oil from different feedstocks. In this study, producing pyrolysis oil from walnut shells using pyrolysis reactor, investigating pyrolysis oil properties while comparing it with fossil fuels to determine if the oil can be used in internal combustion engines are investigated. The effect of pyrolysis reaction temperature on pyrolysis oil yield is studied. The results indicates that pyrolysis oil can be produced from walnut shells, the reaction temperature is an important factor on pyrolysis oil yield and pyrolysis oil has complex nature compare to fossil fuels.