University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign

Modeling the impact of feedstock composition and operating temperature on carbon sequestration potential of fecal sludge-derived biochar

To, Lane

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https://hdl.handle.net/2142/120468

Description

Title
Modeling the impact of feedstock composition and operating temperature on carbon sequestration potential of fecal sludge-derived biochar
Author(s)
To, Lane
Issue Date
2023-05-05
Director of Research (if dissertation) or Advisor (if thesis)
  • Cusick, Ro D
  • Guest, Jeremy S
Department of Study
Civil & Environmental Eng
Discipline
Environ Engr in Civil Engr
Degree Granting Institution
University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign
Degree Name
M.S.
Degree Level
Thesis
Keyword(s)
  • biochar
  • carbon sequestration
  • pyrolysis
  • fecal sludge management
  • non-sewered sanitation
  • decentralized sanitation
Abstract
Omni Processors (OPs) are community-scale sanitation technologies that can provide decentralized fecal sludge management in areas where sewered sanitation is not feasible. Pyrolytic OPs leverage oxygen-limited thermal treatment to convert fecal sludge into biochar, a graphitic solid which sequesters carbon and improves soil quality. While the general environmental benefits of biochar are known, specific characteristics and carbon sequestration potential of biochar depend on pyrolysis conditions and feedstock composition. It is difficult to accurately assess the benefits of biochar produced in a pyrolytic OP without this context. In this work, a pyrolytic OP was modeled using QSDsan, an open-source quantitative sustainable design tool. Building on an existing process model, additional empirical relations were incorporated to link pyrolysis temperature and feedstock characteristics to biochar yield and carbon sequestration potential. Altogether, the integrated model was used to evaluate system costs, lifecycle environmental impacts, and the fate of carbon and nutrients. By simulating the performance of the system across feedstock ash content from 15% to 75% and at temperatures from 300°C to 900°C, the relative importance of these parameters for yield and carbon sequestration was characterized. Simulations revealed positive correlations between pyrolysis temperature and biochar yield, feedstock ash content and biochar yield. The trends identified in this study can be used to generate insight to optimize biochar production and carbon sequestration potential, and according to context-specific needs.
Graduation Semester
2023-05
Type of Resource
Thesis
Copyright and License Information
Copyright 2023 Lane To

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