Dhaka University Journal of Applied Science & Engineering

• Md. Razu Ahmmed
  Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Bangladesh Agricultural University, Mymensingh-2202, Bangladesh
• Md. Ershad Halim
  Department of Chemistry, University of Dhaka, Dhaka-1000, Bangladesh
• Md. Golam Mortuza
  Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Bangladesh Agricultural University, Mymensingh-2202, Bangladesh
• Mohammad Ismail
  Department of Applied Chemistry & Chemical Engineering, University of Dhaka, Dhaka-1000, Bangladesh

This paper focused upon the production of bio-oil from potato (Solanum tuberosum) peel waste (PPW) available in Bangladesh. For the conversion of potato peel into liquid biofuel, the PPW was assessed as received and physicochemical characterization were carried out. Here, pyrolysis process was performed in a fixed bed horizontal pyrolyzer and the effect of reaction time and temperature on product distribution during pyrolysis and the physio-chemical properties of the produced bio-oil were investigated. The maximum bio-oil yield from PPWs was 32.15 wt.% at 450 °C and 45 min reaction time. Besides bio-oil, non-condensable gases (26.68 wt.%) and bio-char (41.18 wt.%, a porous carbonaceous material) were produced during pyrolysis. Bio-oil produced from PPWs was characterized by conducting various physico-chemical analyses. The fractionation of produced bio-oil gives 68 wt.%medium distillates ( 80 – 100 °C), 21 wt.% light distillates (below 80 °C fraction) and 11 wt.% residue (heavy fraction; above 100 °C). The use of the produced biofuel in blend with commercial fuel will bring a positive change in fuel economy of the country and will ensure the proper management of potato peel waste and secure a clean environment.

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