ASSESSING BIOMASS CO-PYROLYSIS: SENSITIVITY ANALYSIS AND ECONOMIC FEASIBILITY OF MULTI-FEEDSTOCK VALORISATION

This study investigates the co-pyrolysis of diverse biomass types—date pits, coffee waste, cow dung, gas-to-liquid (GTL) biosolids, and cardboard—to optimize yields of bio-oil, char, and gas through detailed experimental and sensitivity analyses, along with techno-economic evaluation. Experimental results demonstrate significant variability in product yields, with bio-oil reaching a peak of 61% at a volatile content of 76%, 550°C, and a heating rate of 10°C. Char yields varied from 23% to 55%, while gas yields ranged from 6% to 42%, revealing that increasing volatile content and temperature enhance both bio-oil and gas yields. The sensitivity analysis from Aspen Plus simulations further revealed that bio-oil yields peaked at 61% with 76% volatile content, 550°C temperature, and 10°C/min heating rate, while gas yields reached a maximum of 42% at 76% volatile content, 750°C, and 7.5°C, emphasizing the significant impact of operational parameters and biomass blending ratios on product yields in the co pyrolysis process. Additionally, the techno-economic assessment reveals capital expenses of approximately 279 million USD, with a payback period of 3.40 years, a return of investment of 29%, and a positive NPV of 121 million USD, highlighting the economic feasibility of multi-feedstock pyrolysis systems. Overall, this research underscores the potential of biomass co-pyrolysis as a sustainable energy solution and waste management strategy, providing valuable insights for optimizing pyrolysis processes and guiding future advancements in bioenergy technologies, particularly in regions like Qatar that seek to reduce fossil fuel dependence.