The effectiveness of coconut coir as tar adsorbent in liquid smoke integrated into the pyrolysis reactor

Abstract

Tar is a toxic polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbon (PAH) compound that can cause pipe clogging problems and engine damages. Thus, the purpose of this study is to assess the effectiveness of coconut coir from coconut shells (Cocos nucifera) as tar adsorbent integrated into the pyrolysis reactor. The pyrolysis process occurred at 400 °C for 4 h in equipment consisted of a combustion reactor, filter reactor as an adsorbent, and condenser. The results of FTIR and SEM analysis have shown that coconut coir could be effectively used as a tar adsorbent. The GCMS test showed no PAH compounds in liquid smoke. Also, the physicochemical properties of liquid smoke from coir adsorbent were better than liquid smoke without adsorbent. The tar trapped in the coir had an increase in calorific value compared with raw coir. Moreover, the presence of tar in coir had significantly improved the thermal degradation properties of coconut coir.