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Characterisation and production of biochar and bio-oil from biomass via slow pyrolysis systems for agricultural application
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Abstract:
This study examines the production and characterisation of biochar and bio-oil from the slow pyrolysis of waste cocopeat (WCP) and rice husk (RH) in Brunei Darussalam, utilising both laboratory-scale and pilot-scale systems. Biomass analyses revealed that WCP had a higher volatile matter content (70.7 wt%) but a lower fixed carbon content (3.5 wt%) than RH (61.2 wt% and 17.1 wt%), indicating distinct thermal behaviours. Lab-scale pyrolysis at 350-450°C revealed that maximum biochar yields were attained at 350°C (64.7 wt% for WCP and 65.9 wt% for RH), whereas bio-oil yields peaked at 450°C. Characterisation of biochars indicated an enhanced surface area for RH (312.32 m*/g at 450°C), as well as improved water-holding capacity and pH. However, elemental analysis revealed elevated potassium and sodium levels, raising concerns for direct agricultural application. GC-MS of bio-oils identified phenols, ketones, and furans as major compounds, with high acidity suggesting the need for post-treatment. The pilot-scale system employed an autothermal, decentralised design using coal briquettes (CB) or wood charcoal (WC) as heat sources. Pyrolysis of 1.5 kg RH batches showed that CB favoured biochar yields (51-54 wt%), while WC enhanced syngas output and thermal stability (up to 640°C). Pilot-scale biochars exhibited improved water-holding capacity (WHC) (up to 0.483 g/g) and a near-neutral pH, while bio-oils showed compositional shifts dependent on the heat source intensity. The findings confirm that both systems can produce agriculturally valuable products, with the pilot-scale reactor offering a viable off-grid solution pending refinement of internal heat control.
Description:
xiii, 219 pages : illustrations ; 30 cm | A thesis submitted in partial fulfillment of the requirements for obtaining the degree of Master of Engineering in Systems Engineering by research | Thesis is also available in USB flash drive and is not for loan or reference use | Thesis (Master of Engineering in Systems Engineering) - Universiti Brunei Darussalam. 2025 | Includes bibliographical references pages 178-219.
Date:
2025
Authors:
Mohammad Hifdzur Azmi bin Haji Mohd Zain
Publisher:
Universiti Brunei Darussalam
