DIRECT THERMAL LIQUEFACTION OF RICE HUSK AND DEVELOPMENT OF A KINETIC MODEL

Abstract

The increase in global energy demand, the depletion of fossil fuels, and the negative impact of the use of fossil fuels on the environment make renewable energy resources vital for fuel security.1-6 Renewable energy resources have become a critical component of environmental sustainability. Lignocellulosic biomass such as rice husk is one of such renewable energy resources available in huge quantities at a very low cost, with a negligible impact on the environment, and thus it is a promising feedstock for manufacturing biofuels. 3,7-9 Rice husk is the outermost layer of rice grains and is generated in large quantities by rice mills worldwide. On average, these mills produce 130-170 million tonnes of rice husk annually, with half of this being burned onsite to provide energy to the mill. 10 However, the other half of the rice husk generated is often left unused, resulting in persistent waste biomass stacking that poses a significant environmental threat.