Effects of Hydrolysis and Torrefaction on Pyrolysis Product Distribution of Spent Mushroom Compost (SMC)

Abstract

This study investigates the use of spent mushroom compost (SMC) as a potential feedstock for the production of bio-oil via fast pyrolysis process. It was found that, although SMC can be converted to bio-oil, due to its high moisture and ash contents, fast pyrolysis of SMC results in low yield and quality of bio-oil. Reduction of the moisture and ash contents in SMC is the key element to make SMC a desirable feedstock for biomass conversion. This investigation has revealed that pyrolysis of SMC that has been treated by a combination of hydrolysis and torrefaction processes results in a higher yield of bio-oil production. The biomass that was only pretreated with torrefaction produces a lower yield of bio-oil compared to those that have been hydrolyzed or hydrolyzed then torrefied.