Diseño y simulación de un horno pirolítico de 200 litros para la generación de Biochar

Abstract

This work the main objective is the design and simulation of a 200-liter capacity pyrolytic furnace for the generation of biochar or charcoal from residual eucalyptus biomass. The biochar obtained will later be used as a fertilizer to improve the quality of nutrient-poor soils. To meet this objective, a bibliographic search was carried out on the current situation of the technologies of this type of furnaces, resulting in the design of a double cylinder metal pyrolytic furnace. On the other hand, the parameters used in the design of the furnace are shown, establishing the calculations of mass balance, thermal balance, heat losses and thermal efficiency thereof. Thermal simulations were also carried out using SolidWorks software, showing that the furnace is dependent on the ambient temperature and the amount of fuel used, which is designed for 30% litter and 70% firewood, thus complying with the temperature conditions for carry out the process of pyrolysis of eucalyptus biomass, by using it as fuel. To complete the work, a prototype of a 50-liter capacity pyrolytic furnace with a direct ratio of 1: 4 was built. The furnace prototype was tested in the city of Quito with an ambient temperature of 16 ° C, obtaining 32.18% clean, consistent and homogeneous biochar at a maximum processing temperature of 500 ℃ and at the same time establishing a practical efficiency of the 41.7% oven, thus demonstrating the validity of the design. Finally, a financial analysis was carried out determining the profitability and viability of the project, with an initial investment of USD 1,180.54 and a recovery in a period of 5 months.