Pyrolysis of Rice Husks and Analysis of Biochar and Bio-oil

This project focuses on the pyrolysis of rice husks and the analysis of the resulting products, including biochar and bio-oil. Pyrolysis is the decomposition of organic matter under high heat in the absence of oxygen. This project examines the pyrolysis of rice husks. Rice husks account for 20% of the entire weight of the grain. Currently, many rice producers perform uncontrolled burning to dispose of the rice husks due to the high cost of transportation for proper disposal. This uncontrolled burning produces pollutants that are released into the atmosphere and allows for a loss of energy that could otherwise be harnessed. The pyrolysis of rice husks aims to address this issue. Two products of pyrolysis are biochar and bio-fuel. Biochar is charcoal that can be added to soil to improve the soil’s fertility. Bio-oil is a fuel that can be directly used as fuel in a boiler or furnace, or further refined and used in vehicles. Through pyrolysis, the release of pollutants into the atmosphere is prevented and energy and resources can instead be harnessed.

Faculty Supervisor:

Henning Structhrup

Student:

Sarah Shepherd

Partner:

Discipline:

Engineering - mechanical

Sector:

University:

University of Victoria

Program:

Globalink