Publication: Continuous gasification-pyrolysis of fresh palm fruit bunches for biochar production and carbon sequestration
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Issued Date
2026-06-01
Resource Type
eISSN
26660164
Scopus ID
2-s2.0-105024576950
Journal Title
Case Studies in Chemical and Environmental Engineering
Volume
13
Rights Holder(s)
SCOPUS
Bibliographic Citation
Case Studies in Chemical and Environmental Engineering Vol.13 (2026)
Suggested Citation
Unsomsri N., Koedthong P., Tawkaew S., Wiriyasart S., Kaewluan S. Continuous gasification-pyrolysis of fresh palm fruit bunches for biochar production and carbon sequestration. Case Studies in Chemical and Environmental Engineering Vol.13 (2026). doi:10.1016/j.cscee.2025.101309 Retrieved from: https://hdl.handle.net/20.500.14740/55304
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Abstract
The growing need for sustainable alternatives to fossil-derived heating motivates the development of biomass-based thermal systems for waste valorization. This study designed and operated a continuous pyrolysis system integrated with an updraft gasifier-syngas burner, using wood pellets as a renewable heat source to convert fresh palm fruit bunches (FFB) into valuable bio-products. The system replaced LPG heating, enabled direct utilization of undried FFB, and enhanced operational scalability. Stable operation was achieved at 1078 °C with low CO (280 mg Nm<sup>−3</sup>) and particulate emissions (56 mg Nm<sup>−3</sup>). Pyrolysis at 500 °C yielded biochar (9.5 wt%, HHV 28.1 MJ kg<sup>−1</sup>, with 23 % carbon retention equivalent to 44.7 tCO<inf>2</inf>eq yr<sup>−1</sup>), pyrolysis oil (21.9 wt%), wood vinegar (40.0 wt%), and gases (28.6 wt%). Techno-economic analysis indicated a net profit of 4.08 EUR h<sup>−1</sup> and a short payback period of 1.5–1.9 years. These findings demonstrate that the integrated biomass gasification-pyrolysis system offers a technically feasible and economically attractive solution for low-carbon conversion of palm residues into energy and carbon-rich materials.