Pyrolysis Treatment for Sludge and Animal Manures: Impact of Heating Rate

Abstract This study investigates the thermal degradation behavior of sludge and four types of animal manures (cow, chicken, horse, and sheep) under pyrolysis treatment at different heating rates. The sludge samples were subjected to varying heating rates to observe their impact on weight loss profiles, peaks, and enthalpy released. The results demonstrated distinct thermal events corresponding to the pyrolysis process, highlighting significant weight loss around specific temperature ranges. The findings indicate that the heating rate profoundly influences pyrolysis behavior, with higher heating rates resulting in decreased enthalpy release. This information is crucial for optimizing waste management processes. Cow manure released the most enthalpy among the samples, indicating a higher energy release during degradation. In contrast, sludge exhibited the highest thermal stability, requiring higher temperatures for its molecular degradation to commence and releasing the least enthalpy compared to the rest of the samples. These observations suggest that optimizing heating rates can enhance the efficiency of thermal waste management practices. The study provides valuable insights into the distinct thermal behaviors of different types of waste, emphasizing the importance of tailored pyrolysis treatments. By understanding each material's specific thermal degradation characteristics, more efficient and effective waste management strategies can be developed. This research underscores the potential for improving thermal treatment processes through careful control of heating rates, ultimately contributing to better resource utilization and environmental sustainability. The higher enthalpy release from cow manure and the thermal stability of sludge offer critical information for designing optimized pyrolysis protocols for various waste types, enhancing overall treatment efficiency.