THERMOGRAVIMETRIC DECOMPOSITION OF SOLID TOMATO WASTES:

CONVERSION AND ACTIVATION ENERGY

Abstract

Introduction:
In "La Conchita" Cannery are generated annually around 83.27 tonnes of solid waste, which can have energy applications such as pyrolysis.
Objective:
To obtain process conversion and kinetic parameters.
Materials and Methods:
Design-Expert® Version 7 software was used to analyze all results, using a significance level of 95 %. The sample was analyzed by proximate analysis, predicting elemental analysis. Higher heating value was calculated, obtaining a value of 16 553 kJ/kg.
Results and Discussion:
From dynamic experiments, 80 % of thermal decomposition occurs mainly between 250 ºC and 450 ºC. Maximum weight loss rate in pyrolysis occurs between 310 ºC and 350 ºC. A conversion average value of 79.31 % was taken due to non-significant factors influence. Average activation energy is 236.62 kJ/mol, which reaches the highest values in the range of greatest decomposition. Frequency factor varies from 182 s^-1 to 547 s^-1.
Conclusions:
The 80 % of thermal decomposition occurs between 250 ºC and 450 ºC. The average value of conversion is 79.31 % and average activation energy is 236.62 kJ/mol. Frequency factor varies from 182 s^-1 to 547 s^-1.