RMIT University engineers have created an affordable biosolids-derived activated bio-char called PYROCO. The new bio-char could help the industrial sector reduce pollution and improve bio-oil quality. Additionally, it opens the door for further innovation in the sustainable catalytic pyrolysis sector. Here’s what you need to know.
What Are Bio-Oils and How Are They Made?
Bio-oils are an expanding field within the renewables market. The technology has been around for many decades. However, recent advancements have made more sustainable and cheaper production of bio-oils a possibility.
Bio-oils are made from organic waste, which is often rich in oxygen. Notably, A thermochemical process called pyrolysis is commonly used to create bio-oils. It helps break down complex compounds like acids, alcohols, and ketones.
Understanding Pyrolysis in Biofuel Production
Pyrolysis requires the biomass to be heated to +500 degrees while removing oxygen from the material. This action helps to break down polymers quickly. Notably, pyrolysis differs from combustion as it eliminates oxygen from the equation.
The History of Pyrolysis: From Charcoal to Biochar
It’s interesting to note that pyrolysis is a process that mankind has used for centuries. Ancient cultures utilized it to create charcoal and roasted coffee. Some records date back to ancient Egyptians using pyrolysis in their embalming process for mummies.
Challenges of Pyrolysis: Emissions, Energy Use, and Safety
There are several issues that today’s pyrolysis systems must deal with in order to achieve more sustainable operations. For one, the gas emissions are harmful to the environment. It does little to help try and prevent one type of pollution, just to create another problem.
Additionally, there are high energy requirements. Starting a fire that can break apart polymers takes time and energy. Also, there are inherent risks associated with keeping fire and oxygen separated. In some cases, sudden exposure to oxygen can result in accidental combustion of organic material.
What Is Biochar? Benefits, Composition, and Uses
Biochar is the byproduct of the pyrolysis of biomass. Its chemical composition is fairly simple, primarily consisting of carbon and ashes, which gives it some unique characteristics. For one, because it is made from all organic materials, it is meant to be buried in the soil rather than burned. Notably, some of the main sources of biochar include manures, fruit pits, twigs, forestry wastes, food leftovers, and much more.
Biochar brings a lot of benefits to the agricultural sector. It’s seen by many as a strong addition to fertilizers. When buried, biochar provides high nutrient and water retention. Additionally, it improves soil fertility for longer than traditional fertilizers alone.
PYROCO: A Breakthrough Biochar Catalyst from RMIT
The study “Role of carbon-catalyst on upgrading the pyrolysis vapors of spent Eucalyptus nicholii biomass: Towards sustainable phenolics production,”1 published in Renewable Energy, challenges the assumption that bio-char is best used for agricultural purposes. It introduces a novel way to utilize bio-char as a catalyst that, when utilized with paraffin vapor, reduces the energy required to conduct the pyrolysis process.
Source – RMIT University
The engineer demonstrates how their bio-char can target both phenolics and hydrocarbons functionalities. Specifically, the study utilizes biomass from the peppermint willow (Eucalyptus nicholii). This native Australian plant produces a lot of feedstock, which makes it an ideal solution for the experiments.
As part of this study, the engineers took an in-depth look at the impact of biosolids-derived activated bio-char on the spent Eucalyptus nicholii biomass pyrolysis and its bio-oil composition.
Turning Organic Waste into Renewable Bio-Oil
As the first step of the experiment, Peppermint willow feedstock was collected from one of the researcher’s local farms. Notably, the feedstock was kept fresh before it was sent directly to the steam distillation process. This step created solid residue that was then sent to the oven.
The residue was heated to 105 °C overnight. This step eliminates any remaining moisture from the material. Next, the team filtered the material into a 100–300 μm particle size. This final material was then tested against commercially available alternatives.
The engineers noted the composition had changed to a blend of phenolics (69.7 %) and hydrocarbons (13.7 %). This data suggests that the new process significantly improved the selectivity of phenolics and hydrocarbons in bio-oil..
In this way, the research helps the community better understand how improved selectivity for phenolics and hydrocarbons enhances the effect of carbon-catalysts on bio-oil properties and activation energy.
How RMIT Tested the PYROCO Biochar Catalyst
The engineers conducted several tests to ensure their study was accurate. The team began by creating catalytic pyrolysis in a 27 mm by 680 mm quartz tubular reactor and a carbolite furnace. A ceramic frit with a porosity of 3 (16–40 μm) was used as the gas distributor plate. This was located just 320 mm above the bottom of the reactor before heat was applied.
The reactor demonstrated some interesting results. For one, the engineers noted that they could reduce chemical pollution during pyrolysis using their advanced strategy. This approach eliminates high-emission chemicals and replaces them with low-emission biochar.
Additionally, the team showed that carbon-catalysts play a vital role in bio-oil yield. Part of this effectiveness is due to how the new biochar helps to facilitate the deoxygenation and decarboxylation reactions required.
How PYROCO Reduces Emissions and Improves Bio-Oil Quality
There are a lot of benefits that the Pyrolysis study brings to the market. The main advantage is that it provides a valuable green alternative to the status quo. This process could be used to help remove unwanted chemicals and other pollutants from a variety of locations.
Already, the team touts that the tech can potentially destroy 99.99% of PFAs in biosolids. This would make landfills much safer. Additionally, by converting this material into PFA-free biochar, it opens the door for several use case scenarios that align with governments’ net-zero carbon emissions goals globally.
Real-World Uses for PYROCO and Commercialization Plans
There are several real-world applications for this technology. For one, it offers a sustainable way to reduce carbon dioxide emissions by replacing high-emission products. Here are some other real-world applications that could have a positive impact on the economy.
Industrial
The improved bio-char could become a critical component of the sustainable supply chain for bio-oils. Already, these materials are vital in the production of chemicals like resins, lubricants, and additives. This study could help reduce costs and improve productivity in the industrial sector.
This market utilizes biochar as a valuable catalyst in more complex industrial processes. As such, lowering the cost and improving the quality of biochar could result in higher returns.
The engineers stated that their research is production-ready. They are currently looking at ways to bring the tech to a commercial-ready scale. Additionally, when you look further into the financials of the market, you can see that bio-char is predicted to reach a global market potential of $3.3 billion by next year. All of these factors point towards a speedy implementation of this tech in the coming months and years.
Who Developed PYROCO? Meet the Research Team
RMIT University led the Pyroco study. It worked closely with engineers from South East Water, Intelligent Water Networks, and the Indian Institute of Petroleum. Specifically, the report lists Ramandeep Kaur, Bhavya B. Krishna, Nimesha Rathnayake, Thallada Bhaskar, and Kalpit Shah as the main contributors.
Impressively, the Pyroco study received funding from a $3 million grant from the Australian Government. Specifically, the funding will go towards a water filtration plant that will utilize the system to convert treated sewage (biosolids) into a carbon-rich product called biochar.
Stock Spotlight: A Chemical Company to Watch
The biofuel sector is on the rise, with more manufacturers seeking to create sustainable alternatives to critical industrial systems in use today. These companies utilize ancient processes like pyrolysis, combined with cutting-edge technology, to create cleaner and more effective alternatives. Here’s one company that remains a pioneering spirit in the market.
Olin Corporation (OLN +0.54%) entered the market in 1892. This US-based chemicals provider has grown into a reputable stock option. The company operates in 3 markets under the brands Chlor Alkali Products and Vinyls, and Winchester. The latter being the one you probably have already heard of due to their long history in the shooting sector.
Olin Corporation (OLN +0.54%)
The Chlor Alkali Products and Vinyls segments offer a variety of products, including perchloroethylene, hydrochloric acid, vinyl chloride monomers, methyl chloride, methylene chloride, chloroform, carbon tetrachloride, and hydrogen. The company has a large client base with customers across the United States, Europe, Asia Pacific, Latin America, and Canada.
Latest on Olin Corporation
Pyroco – Making Pyrolysis More Affordable Could Make Life Better for Millions
When you delve into how prevalent Pyrolysis is in a variety of industrial tasks, you can see how this development could help to lower costs and improve sustainability Ii a major way. As such, this team of engineers deserves praise for their ingenuity and determination. Now, the team seeks to scale their process to make a real impact.
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Studies Referenced:
1. Kaur, R., Krishna, B. B., Rathnayake, N., Bhaskar, T., & Shah, K. (2024). Role of carbo-catalyst on upgrading the pyrolysis vapors of spent Eucalyptus nicholii biomass: Towards sustainable phenolics production. Renewable Energy, 214, 1239–1250. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.renene.2024.01.180