Conversion of oil palm waste into value-added products through pyrolysis: a sensitivity and techno-economic investigation

Abstract

In this study, an empirical model for the pyrolysis of major oil palm wastes (OPW) such as palm kernel shell (PKS), empty fruit bunches (EFB), and oil palm frond (OPF), and their blends is developed. Moreover, the techno-economic feasibility of the wastes is investigated to determine the type of waste that would be suitable for the commercialization of different types of products. According to the model results, the bio-oil dominates the pyrolysis process’ product output, accounting for 59.21, 50.51, 56.60, and 55.65% of PKS, EFB, OPF, and their blend, respectively. Whereas biochar yield is 23.21, 23.1, 22.95, and 23.08%, gas yield is 17.57, 26.38, 20.44, and 21.27%. The findings demonstrate that the feedstocks under consideration are mostly suitable for producing bio-oil. According to the economic analysis, PKS-based pyrolysis has the highest capital expenses (CAPEX), while EFB-based pyrolysis has the lowest CAPEX of all tested feedstocks. Furthermore, PKS has the highest operating expenses (OPEX) due to its relatively higher market price as well as higher moisture content, which necessitates more energy input during the drying stage. Among the feedstocks, OPF has delivered the highest profit of USD 17 M/year, with a 22% return on investment (ROI). In terms of investment capital payback period, all OPW feedstocks demonstrated a reasonable period of 4–6 years. Bio-oil is the most valuable pyrolysis product, with the highest market value when compared to biochar and syngas. The established prediction model can be utilized as a solid reference for biomass pyrolysis modelling studies. Furthermore, the predicted values are reasonable enough to be used in industrial process design.

Assessment of Nuclear Energy to Support Negative Emission Technologies

“…Market values for bio-oil, bio-gas, and bio-char proposed in [90] are 0.4 $/kg, 0.056 $/kg and 0.2 $/kg, respectively. At such prices, the hourly revenues from a 1-GWth reactor could be $481k, calculated from sales of bio-fuel ($366k), biochar ($91k), and bio-gas ($26k) minus ~$2k to purchase electricity for house-load operation.…”

“…However, those revenues need to be translated into net benefits after accounting for added capital and operating costs. Some plant cost data were found in [90] for a 20-ton/hr oil palm waste pyrolysis plant showing CAPEX of $75-80 M and OPEX of $17-20 M/yr. The feedstock price is 41% of operating cost, and the energy price is not provided, likely because bio-gas is used as the energy source.…”

Economic Analysis of Thermal Catalytic Process of Palm Oil (<em>Elaeis Guineesensis, </em>Jacq) and Soap Phase Residue of Neutralization Process of Palm Oil (<em>Elaeis Guineensis</em>, Jacq)

“…Parthasarathy et al [25], presented a study of bio-oil production using oil palm wastes (OPW) such as palm kernel shell (PKS), empty fruit bunches (EFB), and oil palm frond (OPF), and their blends, by pyrolysis. According to the economic analysis, PKSbased pyrolysis has the highest capital expenses (CAPEX), while EFB-based pyrolysis has the lowest CAPEX of all tested feedstocks.…”

Elevating Sustainability and Profitability: Non-Precious Metal Nano Catalysts for Maximizing Yield and Calorific Value in Asphalt Pyrolysis

“…In subsequent sections, we embark on a comprehensive exploration of the non-metallic metal nano catalysts, encompassing facets such as morphological characteristics, surface composition, and catalytic activity [18], [19]. Subsequently, we delve into their application within the purview of asphalt pyrolysis, with the explicit objective of elucidating the extent to which these nano catalysts can amplify both the yield of invaluable products and the heating value of pyrolytic outputs [20], [21]. The insights gleaned from this research not only foster advancements in asphalt pyrolysis technology but also hold far-reaching implications for the continual evolution of the energy and chemical domains [22], [23].…”