Thermal decomposition of an agroindustrial waste under inert and oxidizing atmospheres Thermal decomposition of an agroindustrial waste

Thermogravimetric analysis (TG) of the thermal degradation of an agroindustrial waste (AIW), a mix of two- phase olive mill solid waste, olive stone, olive tree pruning and the manure of sheep or chicken, was conducted under inert (nitrogen) and oxidizing (air) atmospheres. Non-isothermal conditions were employed at a heating rate of 20oC/min to investigate the effect of type of purge gas (nitrogen or air). The gaseous emissions were analyzed during combustion process, and obtained results agree with other authors from small-scale combustion of agricultural biomass fuels. Keywords—agroindustrial waste, combustion, gaseous compounds, pyrolysis, thermogravimetric analysis. The correct interpretation of the experimental data obtained by thermogravimetric analysis can provide information about the material composition and kinetics of thermal decomposition (number of processes that is taking place, corresponding kinetic parameters, etc.) in both pyrolytic and oxidative conditions. All it is applied to the design of the pyrolysis or combustion reactors for the generation of chemical compounds or the energy exploitation, respectively.