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The behavior of biomass pyrolysis can be predicted by analyzing its characteristics. This study aimed to model the release of volatiles across various temperatures, biomass properties, and heating rates. Palm kernel shells were pyrolyzed at 433–773 K with a heating rate of 5 K·min−1 using volatile‐state kinetic modeling. The process began by calculating the biomass type number (NCT), which was used to determine volatile enhancement (VE), volatile release yield (YVY), product yield (Yi), and product mass fraction (yi). The kinetic parameters, including the activation energy for product formation (Eai), were derived through a fitting process.The results indicate a YVY of 70.77% within the devolatilization zone, corresponding to the degradation of cellulose and hemicellulose. The YVY increased with higher temperatures, lower NCT, and higher heating rates. The activation energy ranged from 155–185 kJ·mol⁻¹ for biocrude oil (BCO) and 149–186 kJ·mol⁻¹ for gas. The kinetic parameters from the volatile‐state kinetic model demonstrated errors below 0.2% in comparison with the experimental data, confirming the model's accuracy and reliability. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Computational fluid dynamics (CFD) is a powerful tool to provide information on detailed turbulent flow in unit processes. For that reason, this study intends to reveal the flow structures in the horizontal pipe and biomass combustor. The simulation was aided by ANSYS Fluent employing standard k‐ ε model. The results show that a greater Reynolds number generates more turbulence. The pressure drop inside the pipe is also found steeper for small pipe diameters following Fanning's correlation. The fully developed flow for the laminar regime is found in locations where the ratio of entrance length to pipe diameter complies with Hagen–Poiseuille's rule. The sucking phenomenon in jet flow is also similar to the working principle of ejector. For the biomass combustor, the average combustion temperature is 356–696°C, and the maximum flame temperature is 1587–1697°C. Subsequently, air initially flows through the burner area and then moves to the outlet when enters the combustor chamber. Not so for particle flow, the particle experiences sedimentation in the burner area and then falls as it enters the combustor chamber. This study also convinces that secondary air supply can produce more circulating effects in the combustor. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

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The macroalgae residue from the industrial agar extraction process contains a significant amount of carbon and has potential as a renewable feedstock. Unfortunately, it is often overlooked and is poorly utilized. This study aims to valorize this macroalgae residue through pyrolysis to produce silica‐rich biochar and other value‐added products in the form of biocrude oil (BCO) and biopyrolysis gas. The macroalgae residue was pyrolyzed at 300–700 °C with a heating rate of 20–40 °C/min. Yields of biochar, BCO, and gas of 62%, 25%, and 13% were obtained at a temperature of 700 °C and a heating rate of 20 °C/min. Biochar has a porous structure, a surface area exceeding 15 m2/g, and is dominated by amorphous silica of up to 13%. This silica‐rich biochar also contains Na and K, which hold potential benefits in agriculture, serving as soil ameliorants and playing a crucial role in enhancing soil fertility and promoting plant growth. In the meantime, BCO contains 29.3% carboxylic acid group as the most important chemical component. Other than that, the biopyrolysis gas contains mainly CH4 and H2 (up to 24–32%), which can act as chemical building blocks. Finally, a simple business scenario of silica‐rich biochar production reveals that it has a specific cost of 0.37 US$/kg. It could be economically viable as a soil ameliorant or fertilizer. However, challenges persist in scaling up production to an industrial scale. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]