Ascertaining Optimum Pyrolysis Conditions for Biochar Production from Maple Sawdust

Sawdust is a bi-product from wood processing industries. In the recent time, pyrolysis of organic waste is an emerging technology where biochar can be produced and used for carbon sequestration. In that respect, the aim of the present work was to ascertaining optimum pyrolysis conditions in producing sawdust biochar (SBC) for the said uses. The raw material was collected from Belad furniture industry because of their specialization in furniture work and large volume availability. The proximate and ultimate analysis of 3.56% moisture, 1.49% ash content, 72.32% carbon and 0.19% surphur confirmed its good candidature for biochar production. The pyrolysis experiment was carried out by using six combination each of temperature (400, 450, 500, 550, 600 and 650°C), nitrogen flow rates (0.5, 1.0, 1.5, 2.0, 2.5 and 3.0L/mins) and residence times (10, 20, 30, 40, 50 and 60mins). Analysis of resulted biochar was done according to IBI standard. Results showed that the three factors decrease the yield of biochar at their increasing values. SBC yield being optimum at temperature of 400°C, 10 min residence time and 1.0L/min nitrogen flow rate.