Preliminary characterization of raw oil products from the thermochemical conversion of swine manure

In this study, the raw oil products from a thermochemical conversion process of swine manure were characterized based on elemental composition, benzene solubles, heating value, and water content. The analytical results of 78 samples showed that the raw TCC oil products had an average elemental composition of 71.1% carbon, 8.97% hydrogen, 4.12% nitrogen, 0.2% sulfur, and 3.44% ash. The water content of the raw oil varied from 11.3% to 15.8% by weight. The average high heating value of the oil products was 34,760 kJ/kg. These properties of the oil products are similar to those of oil products from the liquefaction of wood sludge and other biomass. The water content of the raw oil was less dependent on the operating parameters of the process. However, the viscosity and benzene solubles of the raw oil were greatly influenced by the TCC operating temperature and types of process gases. Further investigation on chemical composition is necessary before the full utilization of the oil products can be achieved.