Experimental study of CO2 sequestration and removal of fine particles emitted by burning biomass used as industrial fuel

Abstract

The demand for energy is prominent and growing worldwide, global discussions highlight the need for actions and incentives to encourage the adoption of clean energy strategies, so that energy use and production apply a certain proportion of renewable energy in its energy mix. These sources include geothermal, solar, hydroelectric, wind and biomass. Burning biomass is one of the solutions most used by industries, especially in countries with great agricultural potential. However, contrary to the energy benefits, biomass combustion emits polluting gases and particulate matter (PM), which affect the climate and human health. In order to mitigate or reverse the anthropogenic contribution of pollutant emissions, especially CO2, significant reductions in emissions from current economic activities and the simultaneous development of efficient technologies that can capture CO2 are extremely important. Considering the widespread application of biomass as an industrial fuel and the emerging need for techniques capable of efficiently removing pollutants from biomass combustion, the main objective of this study will be to evaluate the efficiency of CO2 capture using the chemical absorption process, the use of a Venturi scrubber and adsorption in laboratory equipment, considering methods that are less costly and closer to industrial activities. Nano fluid particles will be evaluated for CO2 absorption in the Venturi scrubber. Absorption with chemical reaction will be evaluated using liquid solutions to capture CO2, applied in an absorption tower and also as a washing liquid in a Venturi scrubber. Evaluate the performance of biochar in adsorbing CO2 in a fixed bed and, finally, characterize and control the gaseous and particulate emissions emitted during the actual burning of bagasse in a pilot burner. (AU)