Evaluation of the Biochar Particle Size Distribution Along the Sugarcane Bagasse Pyrolysis Process and Potential Applications

The whole world has been looking for alternatives to fossil fuels, and one of the processes that has already gained great prominence is the pyrolysis process, due to its flexibility and products diversity (liquid, solid, and gas fuels). In addition to the much-investigated potentials of liquids and gases fuels, solids also have their importance, and a major highlight has been given for biochar, a product of great value, produced with high yields, which can be used in several ways (specially soil conditioner). Its applications depend on particle sizes, shape, porosity, among others. Therefore, this paper investigates the characterization of a biochar produced along a sugarcane bagasse pyrolysis plant (reported in another work), related to particle size distribution and surface area, correlating it with the operating conditions. More than one solid separator was used along the pyrolysis process. Then, 03 samples from 03 different collectors along the pilot plant were subjected to size distribution analysis of particles using a laser diffraction particle size analyzer, and the average values were decreasing along the process (273; 170; and 39 µm, respectively). Also, physical adsorption analysis (BET method) was performed, being important for the quality control when a char is applied as a soil conditioner, for example. Finally, the biochar characterization could demonstrate how it changes along the pyrolysis process, and consequently, alternative applications are demonstrated (adsorption is the most chosen).