Co-pyrolysis of Lignite-Oil Shale Mixtures

In this study, conversion of lignite has low calorific value with oil shale have been co-pyrolysed to investigate as an energy source and chemical feedstock. Pyrolysis of Balıkesir Dursunbey lignite (Turkey), Seyitömer oil shale (Turkey), and co-pyrolysis of their mixtures were carried out in a fixed bed reactor at different temperatures and mixture ratios. Pyrolysis experiments were performed in the temperature range of 400–700 °C with mixtures consisting of lignite/oil shale at a weight ratio of 33 % (w/w), 50 % (w/w) and 67 % (w/w). The effect of temperature and different ratios of lignite/oil shale in mixtures on product distribution and fuel properties were investigated. Tars obtained by different experimental conditions were characterized using spectroscopic and chromatographic techniques such as GC-MS and FTIR and the effect of experimental conditions on the formation of this valuable product was determined. The highest tar yield was obtained at 600 °C with a 67 % weight ratio of lignite to oil shale.