Comparative study on the thermal degradation of rice husks in various atmospheres

Journal Article · Wed Dec 01 04:00:00 EST 1999 · Energy Sources

DOI:https://doi.org/10.1080/00908319950014254· OSTI ID:20006243

Ghaly, A E; Mansaray, K G

Evaluation is presented of the thermogravimetric behavior of four types of rice husk (Lemont, ROK 14, CP 4, and Pa Potho) at three heating rates (10, 20, and 50 C/min) in air, oxygen, and nitrogen atmospheres. The thermal degradation rate in active and passive zones, the initial degradation temperature, and the residual weight at 700 C were determined. These thermal degradation indices are dependent on the heating rate, atmosphere employed, inorganic substances in rice husk, and chemical composition of rice husk. The initial degradation temperature decreased, while both the thermal degradation rate and the residual weight at 700 C increased when the heating rate was increased. The higher the cellulosic content of the rice husk, the higher the thermal degradation rate and the initial degradation temperature. Also, higher ash content in the rice husk resulted in a higher residual weight at 700 C. The thermal degradation rate in the active zone was higher in the presence of oxygen than in the presence of air and nitrogen. More residual weight was recorded in the nitrogen atmosphere compared to the oxidative atmospheres of the air and oxygen atmospheres. The residual weights of the rice husk samples at 700 C in air and oxygen atmospheres were lower than their initial ash contents, with percentages of ash lost ranging from about 2.95 to 13.10% in the case of air and 4.20 to 17.05% in the case of oxygen.

• Research Organization: Dalhousie Univ., Halifax, Nova Scotia (CA)
• Sponsoring Organization: Canadian International Development Agency
• OSTI ID: 20006243
• Journal Information: Energy Sources, Journal Name: Energy Sources Journal Issue: 10 Vol. 21; ISSN 0090-8312; ISSN EGYSAO
• Country of Publication: United States
• Language: English

Related Subjects

09 BIOMASS FUELS
AGRICULTURAL WASTES
AIR
ASH CONTENT
CELLULOSE
CHEMICAL REACTION KINETICS
ENERGY RECOVERY
EXPERIMENTAL DATA
HEATING RATE
NITROGEN
OXYGEN
PYROLYSIS
RICE