Bulk features of catalytic co-pyrolysis of sugarcane bagasse and a hydrogen-rich waste: The case of waste heavy paraffin

In this study, catalytic and non-catalytic pyrolysis and co-pyrolysis of pretreated and intact sugarcane bagasse was investigated using waste heavy paraffin (as an in-situ supply of hydrogen). A Y-type commercial zeolite catalyst (HGY-A) which is a gasoline boosting catalyst suitable for hydrocracking reactions in oil refining was used for catalytic pyrolysis. Co-feeding of bagasse with paraffin produced higher liquid product yields and lower solid yields. The improved effective hydrogen to carbon ratio (H/(Ceff)) of the feedstock, and primary cracking and fragmentation reactions of heavy paraffin at temperatures around 600 degrees C are responsible for considerable improvement of bio-oil yield. Use of HGY-A catalyst did change the composition of the produced bio-oil; however, it did not have any appreciable impact on the bio-oil yield under various operational conditions. Results showed that acidic pretreatment of bagasse (with a 30% w/w HCl) reduced the bio-oil yield and increased the char yield. (C) 2019 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.