A mass- and energy balance-based process modelling study for the pyrolysis of cotton stalks with char utilization for sustainable soil enhancement and carbon storage

Bioenergy Recovery from Cotton Stalk

“…In order to get an overview of the main fuel properties of cotton stalks, proximate as well as ultimate analyses need to be performed. Schaffer et al [24] compared data from cotton stalks to data for wheat straw and beechwood ( Table 1). In comparison with wood, the agricultural by-products are characterized by higher ash contents.…”

“…Thus, if the char is not further converted but returned to the soil, the problematic compounds may even have positive effects as nutrients and the related carbon will not be released as CO 2 . Therefore, researchers consider the potential application of the pyrolysis char as a soil additive to increase crop yield [56,59] or as a negative emission technology [24,60]. Currently, the cotton stalks are often burnt on the fields causing high local pollution.…”

“…Generally, slow pyrolysis is preferred for increased char yield [40]. The steady-state process simulation environment IPSEpro was used by Schaffer et al [24] to assess a virtual pyrolysis conversion of cotton stalks, and they indicated that 52.8% of the carbon contained in the biomass accumulates in the biochar, whereas 38% of the input energy can be exported as heat energy at temperature levels suitable for electricity generation or industrial heat supply. The pyrolysis char shows a low molecular O/C ratio of 0.07 and an H/C ratio of 0.26.…”

“…Energy streams are Figure 4. Net carbon removal from the atmosphere through pyrolysis of cotton stalks and soil application of the pyrolysis char [24].…”

“…In contrast, the usage of cotton waste as an energy feedstock has become a subject of numerous studies in recent years [22][23][24]. Researchers generally focused on the production of biogas, ethanol, and the production of fuel pellets or briquettes.…”