Modelling and simulation of mixed sawdust pyrolysis using Aspen Plus® software

Aspen Plus<sup>®</sup> modelling and simulation of mixed wood sawdust pyrolysis has been reported. This study evaluates the suitability of mixed wood sawdust for biomass pyrolysis. Physiochemical analyses of the sawdust sample were determined in the Aspen Plus<sup>®</sup> equilibrium model of mixed wood sawdust pyrolysis. Proximate analysis of moisture, ash, volatile matter and fixed carbon contents were 6.93, 2.03, 38.5, and 52.54 wt %, respectively while ultimate analysis of carbon, oxygen, nitrogen, hydrogen and sulfur contents were 61.5, 29.52, 0.67, 7.68, and 0.63 wt %, respectively. Cellulose, hemicellulose, and lignin contents were 68.7, 27.3, and 4.0 wt %, respectively. The study reports predicted sample yields of 56.94, 30.77, and 12.29 wt % for bio-char, bio-oil, and biogas, respectively, at 500 <sup>o</sup>C and at 1 atm. In the sawdust, fixed carbon content was higher than that of volatile matter. Hypothetical biomass decomposition components used in the Aspen Plus<sup>®</sup> equilibrium model of mixed wood sawdust pyrolysis influence the predicted pyrolysis products yield.