Optimization of Bio-oil Production from Empty Palm Fruit Bunches by Pyrolysis using Response Surface Methodology

Abstract

The need for fuel oil continues to increase in line with the increasing number of human populations and the growth rate of dependence on fuel oil. Bio-oil is a condensed-liquid mixture that results from the thermal derivation of biomass containing hemicellulose, lignin, and cellulose. This research developed an optimization of the operation condition of bio-oil from empty palm fruit bunches (OPEFB) using a modified pyrolysis reactor. The temperature and mass of empty palm fruit bunches were the two parameters considered in this study. Optimization was carried out on process parameters using the surface response methodology (RSM) and variance analysis (ANOVA). The significance of the different parameters and the effect of the relationship between parameters on the bio-oil yield is determined using a full factorial central composite design. The optimal operation condition of pyrolysis was found to be 570.71 oC, and the mass of empty palm fruit bunch 420.71 gr. Predictions from the optimum variable of operating conditions produce a bio-oil yield of 5.58%. The actual bio-oil yield on the optimum condition that was be validated is 5.6 %. The chemical composition of bio-oil obtained was evaluated by GCMS to ensure its characterization as a fuel.

Keywords: Empty palm fruit bunches, Bio-oil, Pyrolysis, Response Surface Methodology, Optimization