Improvement of Bio-oil Quality through the use of Natural Zeolite Catalysts in the Fast Pyrolysis of Cassava Rhizomes using a Free-Fall Reactor
Abstract
This research investigated the properties of bio-oil derived from cassava rhizomes using natural zeolite catalyst within the hot gas filtration unit of a free-fall reactor. The reactor was controlled at 450, 500, and 550°C, while the condenser unit was maintained at a constant temperature. Cassava rhizome particle, 0.2 to 0.5 mm in size, were input at 200 g/hr. Results indicated a maximum bio-oil yield of approximately 60 wt% at 500°C without catalysis. Bio-oil collected from the electrostatic precipitator exhibited higher density and viscosity compared to that from the water-cooled condenser, and these properties were not significantly affected by the catalyst. However, the catalyst enhanced the bio-oil’s higher heating value (HHV) by approximately 17%, potentially due to increased hydrocarbon content and decreased oxygen levels, particularly in the electrostatic precipitator-derived bio-oil. These findings suggest the potential of natural zeolite catalysts to improve bio-oil quality.