Development, evaluation, and optimization of portable pyrolysis system for the production of biochar from tender coconut husk

Tender coconut husk (TCH) is a prominent part of coconut fruit, and it is discarded after consumption of tender coconut water. TCH is made of fibers that comprise lignin (30-42%) and cellulose (54-65%) and also contains traces of tannin and potassium. In this study, development of most feasible and adaptable method for production of biochar from TCH is reported. The method opted for the production of biochar is pyrolysis, and temperature of pyrolysis has a direct correlation with the characteristics of resultant biochar. The main parameters investigated are the size of the reactor, type of fuel, and positioning of the drum. Biochemical parameters of biochar such as moisture content, ash content, pH and electrical conductivity, and total nitrogen content of the product were studied. The results reveal that sample collected from the upper layer of the large-sized reactor kept in upright position and using mature coconut husk as a fuel for biochar production was found to be the best considering the yield and physicochemical properties.