Paper details

Title:

Integrating Pyrolysis into Sugarcane Mills for Waste Valorization and Enhanced Sustainability

Author(s):

Botha, W.N., van Tonder, G.C.

Document(s):

Abstract:

Sugarcane mills generate vast quantities of bagasse, a fibrous byproduct typically burned for process heat and power. This study investigates the integration of slow pyrolysis into sugar mill operations as a novel strategy to address existing challenges in waste management and energy efficiency. Sugarcane bagasse (˜40% cellulose, 28% hemicellulose, 18% lignin, on dry basis) with high moisture (~45–50% as received) was dried and subjected to slow pyrolysis at temperatures up to 400.°C under inert atmosphere. Pyrolysis converted the bagasse into roughly one-third solid char, one-third bio-oil condensates, and one-third non-condensable syngas. The char product had a higher heating value ~21.MJ/kg and a BET surface area ~318.m²/g, indicating its potential as a solid fuel or activated carbon precursor. The bio-oil condensed into an oxygen-rich aqueous fraction (high in acetic acid and furfural) and a viscous tar fraction rich in phenolics, with total liquid yield ~33.wt%. The syngas (~35.vol% CO2, 19% CO, ~2.4% CH4, balance N2 and trace H2) can be used on-site for heat and power. Notably, trace amounts of valuable furanic compounds (e.g. furfural and 2,5-dimethylfuran) were identified in the pyrolysis vapors. Embedding a pyrolysis unit within the mill infrastructure enables waste valorization: the energy-dense biochar can be used as a renewable boiler fuel or soil amendment, and the bio-oil chemicals (like furfural) can be extracted as value-added products. Operational and economic advantages of integration include improved energy efficiency, reduced waste volume, and new revenue streams from biochar and bio-oil. By leveraging existing utilities (e.g. waste heat for drying) and eliminating biomass transport costs, an integrated pyrolysis system can enhance the commercial viability of sugar mills. These findings demonstrate that retrofitting sugar mills with pyrolysis technology transforms them into biorefineries that not only produce sugar but also renewable energy and bioproducts. The study concludes that integrating pyrolysis addresses key challenges in sugarcane mills – improving waste management, energy self-sufficiency, and profitability – thereby advancing the sustainable development of the sugar industry.

Keywords:

fertilization, pyrolysis, pyrolysis oil, biochar

Topic:

Industry Track

Subtopic:

Thermochemical biomass conversion

Event:

33rd European Biomass Conference and Exhibition

Session:

IDO.1.4

Pages:

1225 - 1232

ISBN:

978-88-89407-25-7

Paper DOI:

10.5071/33rdEUBCE2025-IDO.1.4

Price:

FREE