• Energy Research

This work reports bio-oil production by hydrothermal liquefaction of blackcurrant pomace (Ribes nigrum L), a fruit residue obtained after berry pressing. The bio-oil has a higher heating value of 35.9 MJ kg(-1) and low ash content, which makes it suitable for energy applications. We report the influence of process parameters on yields and carbon distribution between products: temperature (563-608 K), holding time (0-240 min), mass fraction of dry biomass in the slurry (0.05-0.29), and initial pH (3.1-12.8) by adding sodium hydroxide (NaOH). Depending on the experiments, the bio-oil accounts for at least 24% mass fraction of the initial dry biomass, while char yields ranges from 24 to 40%. A temperature of 583 K enhances the bio-oil yield, up to 30%, while holding time does not have a significant influence on the results. Increasing biomass concentrations decreases bio-oil yields from 29% to 24%. Adding sodium hydroxide decreases the char yield from 35% at pH = 3.1 (without NaOH) to 24% at pH = 12.8. It also increases the bio-oil yield and carbon transfer to the aqueous phase. Thermogravimetric analysis shows that a 43% mass fraction of the bio-oil boils in the medium naphtha petroleum fraction range. The bio-oil is highly acidic and unsaturated, and its dynamic viscosity is high (1.7 Pa sat 298 K), underlining the need for further upgrading before any use for fuel applications.

This work reports bio-oil production by hydrothermal liquefaction of blackcurrant pomace (Ribes nigrum L), a fruit residue obtained after berry pressing. The bio-oil has a higher heating value of 35.9 MJ kg(-1) and low ash content, which makes it suitable for energy applications. We report the influence of process parameters on yields and carbon distribution between products: temperature (563-608 K), holding time (0-240 min), mass fraction of dry biomass in the slurry (0.05-0.29), and initial pH (3.1-12.8) by adding sodium hydroxide (NaOH). Depending on the experiments, the bio-oil accounts for at least 24% mass fraction of the initial dry biomass, while char yields ranges from 24 to 40%. A temperature of 583 K enhances the bio-oil yield, up to 30%, while holding time does not have a significant influence on the results. Increasing biomass concentrations decreases bio-oil yields from 29% to 24%. Adding sodium hydroxide decreases the char yield from 35% at pH = 3.1 (without NaOH) to 24% at pH = 12.8. It also increases the bio-oil yield and carbon transfer to the aqueous phase. Thermogravimetric analysis shows that a 43% mass fraction of the bio-oil boils in the medium naphtha petroleum fraction range. The bio-oil is highly acidic and unsaturated, and its dynamic viscosity is high (1.7 Pa sat 298 K), underlining the need for further upgrading before any use for fuel applications.

This work compares two electrode materials used to mineralize phenol contained in waste waters. Two disks covered with either boron doped diamond (BDD) or PbO2 were used as anodes in a one compartment flow cell under the same hydrodynamic conditions. Efficiencies of galvanostatic electrolyses are compared on the basis of measurements of Total Organic Carbon (TOC) and Chemical Oxygen Demand (COD). Galvanostatic electrolyses were monitored by analysis of phenol and of its oxidation derivatives to evaluate the operating time needed for complete elimination of toxic aromatics. The experimental current efficiency is close to the theoretical value for the BDD electrode. Other parameters being equal, phenol species disappeared at the same rate using the two electrode materials but the BDD anode showed better efficiency to eliminate TOC and COD. Moreover, during the electrolysis less intermediates are formed with BDD compared to PbO2 whatever the current density. A comparison of energy consumption is given based on the criterion of 99% removal of aromatic compounds.

This work compares two electrode materials used to mineralize phenol contained in waste waters. Two disks covered with either boron doped diamond (BDD) or PbO2 were used as anodes in a one compartment flow cell under the same hydrodynamic conditions. Efficiencies of galvanostatic electrolyses are compared on the basis of measurements of Total Organic Carbon (TOC) and Chemical Oxygen Demand (COD). Galvanostatic electrolyses were monitored by analysis of phenol and of its oxidation derivatives to evaluate the operating time needed for complete elimination of toxic aromatics. The experimental current efficiency is close to the theoretical value for the BDD electrode. Other parameters being equal, phenol species disappeared at the same rate using the two electrode materials but the BDD anode showed better efficiency to eliminate TOC and COD. Moreover, during the electrolysis less intermediates are formed with BDD compared to PbO2 whatever the current density. A comparison of energy consumption is given based on the criterion of 99% removal of aromatic compounds.

The possibility to apply the hydrothermal carbonization (HTC) process to off-specification compost (EWC 19.05.03) at present landfilled was investigated in this work. The aim was to produce a carbonaceous solid fuel for energy valorization, with the perspective of using HTC as a complementary technology to common organic waste treatments. Thus, samples of EWC 19.05.03 produced by a composting plant were processed through HTC in a batch reactor. Analytical activities allowed to characterize the HTC products and their yields. The hydrochar was characterized in terms of heating value, thermal stability and C, H, O, N, S and ash content. The liquid phase was characterized in terms of total organic carbon and mineral content. The composition of the gas phase was measured. Results show that the produced hydrochar has a great potentiality for use as solid fuel.

The possibility to apply the hydrothermal carbonization (HTC) process to off-specification compost (EWC 19.05.03) at present landfilled was investigated in this work. The aim was to produce a carbonaceous solid fuel for energy valorization, with the perspective of using HTC as a complementary technology to common organic waste treatments. Thus, samples of EWC 19.05.03 produced by a composting plant were processed through HTC in a batch reactor. Analytical activities allowed to characterize the HTC products and their yields. The hydrochar was characterized in terms of heating value, thermal stability and C, H, O, N, S and ash content. The liquid phase was characterized in terms of total organic carbon and mineral content. The composition of the gas phase was measured. Results show that the produced hydrochar has a great potentiality for use as solid fuel.