Simulation of Temperature Distribution and Biochar Properties in a 50-Liter Kiln Using Corncob Feedstock

Numpon Panyoyai; Thanasit Wongsiriamnuay; Weeranut Intagun; Jirapol Klinbun; Tipapon Khamdaeng

Authors

Numpon Panyoyai Faculty of Engineering and Agro-industry, Maejo University, San Sai, Chiang Mai 50290, Thailand.
Thanasit Wongsiriamnuay Faculty of Engineering and Agro-industry, Maejo University, San Sai, Chiang Mai 50290, Thailand.
Weeranut Intagun Department of Mechanical Engineering, Faculty of Engineering and Industrial Technology, Silpakorn University, Muang, Nakhon Pathom 73000, Thailand.
Jirapol Klinbun Department of Mechanical and Industrial Engineering, Faculty of Engineering, Rajamangala University of Technology Krungthep, Sathorn, Bangkok 10120, Thailand.
Tipapon Khamdaeng Faculty of Engineering and Agro-industry, Maejo University, San Sai, Chiang Mai 50290, Thailand.

Keywords:

biochar, slow pyrolysis, simulation, thermal characteristics

Abstract

Biochar has been widely recognized as a beneficial soil amendment, enhancing soil physical and chemical properties. The yield of biochar production, however, is influenced by various processes and kiln parameters. Thus, the objectives of this study are to investigate the thermal characteristics inside a 50-liter biochar kiln and the effect of core puncture row numbers on temperature distribution and biochar yield. In this study, a 50-liter biochar kiln with dimensions of 500 mm × 380 mm (height × diameter) was developed for the study. The kiln design included a central core with a diameter of 115 mm and puncture holes of 6.35 mm in diameter. Experiments were conducted using cores with three different puncture row configurations: 3, 4, and 5 rows. Corncobs served as the raw material, while briquettes derived from agricultural waste were used as fuel. The temperature distribution for each configuration was analyzed through both experimental and numerical methods. Simulation results were validated against experimental data. The simulation results illustrated that the highest temperature was found at the core and decreased transversely in radial direction toward the kiln wall. The average temperature over the radial and longitudinal positions inside the kiln with 3, 4, and 5-row configurations was found to be equal to 392.4 ± 174.2 °C, 357.4 ± 210.4 °C, and 358.6 ± 221.7 °C, respectively. The experiment revealed that the biochar yield was found to be equal to 12.9 wt.%, 11.4 wt.%, and 15.7 wt.% for the 3, 4, and 5-row configurations, respectively. The average pH and electrical conductivity (EC) of the biochar were 8.7 ± 0.3 and 0.6 ± 0.1 dS m^-1, respectively. This study provides a detailed understanding of the thermal characteristics within a biochar kiln and their effects on biochar yield. The graphical temperature distribution results offer valuable insights for optimizing kiln design and improving biochar production efficiency.

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