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Preparation and Characterization of Optimized Hydrochar from Paper Board Mill Sludge
Sadish Oumabady1, Paul Sebastian S2, Sara P B Kamaludeen1
1Department of Environmental Sciences, Tamil Nadu Agricultural University, Coimbatore, 641 003, India.
Scientific Reports
|January 23, 2020
Summary
Converting paper mill sludge into hydrochar offers energy potential. This study optimized hydrochar production for enhanced surface area and energy content, finding it suitable as a coal blend for paper mills.
Area of Science:
- Environmental Science
- Chemical Engineering
- Materials Science
Background:
- Paper Board Mill Effluent Treatment Plant Sludge (PBM-ETPS) presents a significant waste disposal challenge.
- Valorization of PBM-ETPS into hydrochar is a promising avenue for sustainable energy production.
Purpose of the Study:
- To determine optimal conditions for producing PBM-ETPS derived hydrochar (PBM-ETPSH) using Response Surface Methodology (RSM).
- To enhance surface area and pore volume while minimizing hydrogen to carbon (H/C) and oxygen to carbon (O/C) ratios.
- To evaluate the energy potential of the produced hydrochar.
Main Methods:
- Response Surface Methodology (RSM) was employed to investigate the hydrochar production process.
- Optimization focused on maximizing surface area and pore volume and minimizing H/C and O/C ratios.
- Thermogravimetric analysis was used to assess the hydrochar's properties and blending potential.
Main Results:
- Optimized PBM-ETPSH exhibited a higher heating value (HHV) of 18.39 MJ kg⁻¹ and 15.6% fixed carbon.
- Significant reductions in H/C (35.05%) and O/C (43.7%) ratios were achieved, indicating successful coalification.
- Blending PBM-ETPSH with coal (1:1 ratio) increased the HHV to 22.25 MJ kg⁻¹.
Conclusions:
- Optimized PBM-ETPSH is a viable coalification product with considerable energy potential.
- The hydrochar can serve as a sustainable energy alternative for paper mills, particularly when blended with coal.
- This research demonstrates an effective method for waste valorization and resource recovery in the paper industry.
