Modeling of Agave Salmiana bagasse conversion by hydrothermal carbonization (HTC) for solid fuel combustion using surface response methodology

Hydrothermal carbonization (HTC) of Agave Salmiana bagasse was investigated to assess the potential of hydrochar as an energy resource. The effect of operating conditions on the mass yield and the energy quality of hydrochar was examined by varying the temperature and the holding time over the ranges of 180-250 degrees C (T) and 0-60 min (t), respectively. These parameters were screened using the response surface methodology through a Doehlert design. Performances of HTC were assessed on the basis of the hydrochar mass yield higher heating value ultimate and proximate analyses. In the studied domain, the modeling results indicated that the hydrochar mass yield varies between 45% and 86% and higher heating valuesfrom18 to 23 MJ.kg(-1), which is similar to that of peat. In addition, the volatile matter and fixed carbon fractions of hydrochars ranged from 54 to 80% and between 12 and 36%, respectively. Energy yield modeling indicated that the mass yield is the most influent parameter. The maximal energy yield value was obtained at 180 degrees C with time equal to 0 min. Globally, the evolution of H/C ratio is amplified for temperatures greater than 215 degrees C by increasing the holding time from 30 to 60 min. For O/C ratio the maximal variation is below these conditions. It is concluded that increased hydrothermal carbonization conditions favor dehydration reactions, while decarboxylation reactions are favored in mild HTC conditions. The combustion characteristics such as ignition peak and burnout temperatures were significantly modified for hydrochars. The model results indicated that lowest ignition and peak temperature values are obtained at both low-temperature and low-holding time, and high-temperature and high-holding time zones. An increase in the burnout temperature was correlated with the increase of the fixed carbon content in hydrochars.