Miniature Biomass Conversion Unit for Learning the Fundamentals of Heterogeneous Reactions through Analysis of Heat Transfer and Thermochemical Conversion

Highlights A miniaturized thermochemical conversion system has been designed, manufactured, and optimized. Five laboratories can be performed with the system, incorporating heat transfer and reaction engineering phenomena. Educational materials to deploy the system in the classroom, including worksheets and solutions, are provided. Pyrolysis, combustion, and gasification exercises are shown with reaction visualization and product validation. Abstract . We describe a simple new miniaturized thermochemical module (MTM). Special considerations are needed to make the MTM useful not only for studying biomass conversion but also for providing safe classroom learning opportunities for heat and mass transfer and heterogeneous reaction engineering students and for training new researchers. The MTM consists of a quartz reactor wrapped with a Kanthal resistance wire and a silvered concentric annular glass shield for retaining thermal energy, placed in a protective Plexiglas viewing case. Safety is considered for use by new research trainees and within the classroom. We demonstrate MTM usage through five laboratory exercises beginning with an experimental design to determine operating modes to establish thermochemical conversion temperatures. Heat transfer skills are developed with the aid of a first-order differential heat transfer model and fractional factorial design. Thermochemical conversion is demonstrated and products are validated for pyrolysis, gasification, and combustion. The combustion laboratory also offers significant insight into reaction versus mass transfer-controlled regimes and for modeling heat transfer. Discussion is provided on the utility of the system for demonstrating heat transfer, kinetic, and mass transfer concepts, with applications across the engineering curriculum. Keywords: Combustion, Education, Gasification, Heat transfer modeling, Miniature thermochemical module, Pyrolysis.