Coalification of olive pomace by hydrothermal carbonization method

Olive pomace consists as a side product during the production of olive oil which holds an important place in the economy of the Mediterranean countries in which Turkey is located. Olive pomace which is used in many areas such as the soap industry and feed industry, is used as a source of fuel obtained from biomass because of its high energy value. It is an important factor that the technology used to transform waste into energy is simple and quick implementation, since the biggest hardship ever experienced in waste management has been to be shelved without the establishment of complex technologies. In recent years, hydrothermal carbonization method providing a coal quality fuel that obtained in laboratory conditions within a few hours as a substitute to fossil fuels created in millions of years has has been the subject of research. In this study, the potential of converting the olive pomace into a renewable fuel source by using hydrothermal carbonization (HTK) method has been studied. During the hydrothermal carbonization process the varying temperature (220°C, 240°C, 260°C, 280°C, 300°C), holding time (1, 2, 4, 8, 12, 16, 24 hr) and waste / water The effect of process parameters such as (25-50%) ratio on hydrocarbon quality was investigated. The energy values of the hydrocarbon formed after the carbonization process were measured in the bomb calorimeter and increased by approximately 57% compared to the upper thermal value of the olive pomace. Increases in energy values are supported by the results of the elemental analysis, and coal with a higher carbon content than lignite coal has been obtained.