Hydrothermal Carbonization of Lemon Peel Waste: Preliminary Results on the Effects of Temperature during Process Water Recirculation

Hydrothermal carbonization (HTC) is a promising thermochemical pre-treatment to convert waste biomass into solid biofuels. However, the process yields large amounts of organic water (PW), which must be properly disposed or reused. In this study, PW produced from hydrothermal lemon peel (LP) was recycled HTC LP with aim maximize energy recovery aqueous phase while saving resources and mitigating overall environmental impact process. The effects temperature on properties liquid products were investigated during recirculation. Experiments carried out at three different operating temperatures (180, 220, 250 °C), fixed residence times 60 min, load 20 wt%, dry basis. Hydrochars characterized in terms proximate analysis higher heating values phases analyzed pH total carbon content (TOC). recirculation led mass yield increase effect more pronounced lower temperature. yield, after steps (maximum about 6% 180 also significant enhancement. Results showed that viable strategy for reduction consumption further recovery; moreover preliminary results encourage an in-depth biomasses various conditions.