Enhancing Biocrude and Hydrochar Production from Water Hyacinth via Hydrothermal Processing and Particle Flow Analysis

This study investigates the hydrothermal conversion of water hyacinth (Eichhornia crassipes) into biocrude and hydrochar, focusing on the influence of critical process parameters including temperature, pressure, biomass-to-water ratio, and residence time on product yields and quality. The hydrothermal treatment was conducted in a continuous reactor, with particle dynamics and fluid flow analyzed using CFD-DEM coupling. The results show a significant positive correlation between temperature and biocrude production, where higher temperatures facilitate the liquefaction of biomass. Pressure, conversely, increased hydrochar yield due to enhanced carbonization under higher reaction pressures. Varying the biomass-to-water ratio revealed that a higher ratio boosts the carbon content in hydrochar, enhancing its potential for energy production and adsorbent applications. Longer residence times improved conversion efficiency, although optimal conditions are required to balance biocrude and hydrochar formation. Additionally, particle size reduction during the hydrothermal process was found to improve reaction efficiency by increasing surface area. These findings provide a comprehensive understanding of the hydrothermal liquefaction process, offering insights into optimizing reactor conditions for sustainable biomass conversion and potential applications in renewable energy and environmental remediation.