https://tede.unioeste.br/handle/tede/598 Fri, 10 Jul 2026 11:18:56 GMT 2026-07-10T11:18:56Z https://tede.unioeste.br/handle/tede/8497 Title: Pirólise lenta da cama de aviário: modelagem, simulação e análise de um reator de forno rotativo em escala piloto Autor: Silva, Marlon Henrique da Primeiro orientador: Silva, Edson Antonio da Abstract: The valorization of agro-industrial waste, such as poultry litter, through thermochemical processes is a sustainable alternative for generating value-added products, such as biochar. However, the phenomenological modeling of slow pyrolysis in pilot-scale rotary kiln reactors is still a poorly explored area. In this context, this study aimed to model, simulate, and analyze the slow pyrolysis of poultry litter, using operational data from a pilot-scale reactor operated by the startup Terraxy, incubated by King Abdullah University of Science and Technology (KAUST). Two steady-state models were developed and evaluated: one with constant heating throughout the reactor (MAS) and another with a central heating zone (MAC), more faithfully representing the experimental configuration. Batch simulations aided in the selection of the first-order kinetic model with three parallel reactions, formulated by THURNER e MANN (1981), to represent the biomass decomposition. The results indicated a biochar yield of approximately 30% for both models, below the experimental value of 39,4%. However, the MAC exhibited more realistic thermal behavior, with temperature profiles that captured the heat regeneration phenomenon and showed a difference of only 20 K (less than 1 standard deviation) compared to the temperature measured on the drum wall. Through a parametric sensitivity analysis, it was possible to correlate the influence of operational parameters, such as the heat supplied and the solids feed flow rate, with the process stability, identifying conditions that can lead to the extinction of pyrolysis. This work demonstrates the applicability of phenomenological models for the analysis and optimization of pilot-scale pyrolysis reactors, providing valuable support for process control and scalability. Publisher: Universidade Estadual do Oeste do Paraná Tipo do documento: Dissertação Tue, 09 Dec 2025 00:00:00 GMT https://tede.unioeste.br/handle/tede/8497 2025-12-09T00:00:00Z https://tede.unioeste.br/handle/tede/8496 Title: Predição do equilíbrio da adsorção multicomponente de gases utilizando o modelo aNRTL para cálculo dos coeficientes de atividade na fase adsorvida Autor: Reinehr, Thiago Olinek Primeiro orientador: Silva, Edson Antonio da Abstract: Three non-ideal models were developed to predict the adsorption behavior of binary mixtures based on the adjustment of parameters from single-component systems: the VSM-aNRTL and two Langmuir Thermodynamic Multi-Region Expanded models, one based on the maximum adsorption capacity (LTEMR) and another on the adsorbed molar area (LTEMR-area). All of them utilize the new Adsorption Non-Random Two-Liquid (aNRTL) model to calculate the activity coefficient in the adsorbed phase. Experimental single-component adsorption equilibrium data from the NIST/ARPA-E Database were adjusted to obtain the necessary parameters. These parameters were then used to predict equilibrium data for 12 binary systems at different temperatures, involving various gases. For comparison, the idealized model of the Ideal Adsorbed Solution Theory (IAST) and the traditional VSM, which employs Wilson's equations (VSM-Wilson) to calculate the activity coefficients in the adsorbed phase, were used. The proposed models proved effective in correlating the adsorption isotherms of pure components, with high correlation coefficients and a reduction in the number of adjustable parameters compared to VSM-Wilson. In predicting equilibrium data of binary mixtures, both VSM-aNRTL and LTEMR-area showed lower deviations compared to the IAST and VSM-Wilson models, notably the VSM-aNRTL, which significantly outperformed the comparison models. The superior performance of the proposed models was also confirmed by the Akaike Information Criterion (AIC). Notably, VSM-aNRTL and LTEMR-area achieved these results by incorporating only one additional parameter relative to IAST and with fewer parameters than VSM-Wilson, evidencing their efficiency and precision in predicting adsorption in binary systems. Publisher: Universidade Estadual do Oeste do Paraná Tipo do documento: Tese Wed, 04 Dec 2024 00:00:00 GMT https://tede.unioeste.br/handle/tede/8496 2024-12-04T00:00:00Z https://tede.unioeste.br/handle/tede/8470 Title: Adsorção de zinco a partir de cascas de arroz funcionalizadas: estudo em batelada e em coluna de leito fixo Autor: Zanelatto, Thamires Mirian Primeiro orientador: Palu, Fernando Abstract: Water contamination by heavy metals poses a critical threat to aquatic ecosystems and public health. Among these elements, zinc (Zn2+) stands out due to its high toxicity and persistence in the environment, compromising biodiversity and water potability. Conventional wastewater treatment processes have limitations in removing residual heavy metals, which underscores the need for alternative, higher-performance technologies. In this context, adsorption using agro-industrial residues, such as rice husks, emerges as a promising strategy for removing zinc at low concentrations, combining effectiveness with the promotion of the circular economy. Accordingly, this study aimed to evaluate the efficiency of functionalized rice husks for zinc adsorption in both batch and fixed-bed systems, given the lack of comparative data between these models. To this end, raw rice husks, whole and crushed (0,30-1,40 mm), were subjected to acid treatment (TA) with H3PO4, basic treatment (TB) with NaOH, and combined treatment (TC) with sequential application of both reagents at different concentrations. In batch experiments, preliminary tests assessed the effect of pH (4 and 5) and husk particle size on process performance, establishing the optimal condition as the use of crushed material at pH 5, a value supported by the electrochemical characterization of the solids and the zinc specification diagram. Under these conditions, the effect of chemical modification on metal removal was evaluated, identifying the TC 1,0-1,0 adsorbent as the most effective. This selection was corroborated by surface analysis, revealing functional groups with affinity for Zn2+ cations, such as SiO- and R-COO-Na+. The material was then subjected to kinetic studies, with data best fitting the pseudo-second order (PSO) model (qe: 0,88 meq g-1, k2: 1,55 g meq-1 min-1). Mass transfer dynamics were analyzed using the intraparticle diffusion model (IPDM), indicating external and internal resistances. In equilibrium tests, the Sips isotherm provided the best fit to experimental data (ns: 0,64; ks: 10,3 L meq-1, qmax: 1,18 meq g-1). Regeneration of the TC 1,0-1,0 adsorbent over three adsorption/desorption cycles with HCl and NaOH showed greater effectiveness under basic conditions, maintaining zinc removal capacity for up to 4 reuse cycles. In continuous operation, packed-column design and kinetic modeling were performed for TC 1,0-1,0 beds with different heights (5, 10, and 15 cm, at 5 meq L-1) and initial zinc concentrations (3, 4, and 5 meq L-1, at 15 cm). Higher metal contents reduced the column’s breakthrough time (tt,u), while increased bed height extended it. Maximum efficiencies were observed for the 15 cm bed at 3 meq L-1 (69,44%) and the 10 cm bed at 5 meq L-1 (68,44%). Breakthrough curve kinetics were best described by the modified dose-response (MDR) model (qMDR: 0,78-1,22 meq g-1, αMDR: 6,58-10,65), except for the 15 cm bed at 3 meq L-1, which was better represented by the Clark model (Ac: 44,13, rc: 0,11 min-1, nF: 1,03). Although the highest adsorption capacity occurred in fixed-bed operation, the TC 1,0-1,0 adsorbent showed significant zinc removal in both systems, corroborating its applicability in advanced water and wastewater treatment. Publisher: Universidade Estadual do Oeste do Paraná Tipo do documento: Dissertação Mon, 17 Nov 2025 00:00:00 GMT https://tede.unioeste.br/handle/tede/8470 2025-11-17T00:00:00Z https://tede.unioeste.br/handle/tede/8469 Title: Tratamento de biochar produzido a partir da pirólise de sabugo de milho para aplicação como substrato no cultivo hidropônico da alface (Lactuca sativa L.) Autor: Hericks, Lais da Silva Pego Primeiro orientador: Silva, Edson Antonio da Abstract: One way to reuse residual corn biomass, especially from the cob, abundant in the western region of Paraná, is by using it as raw material in the pyrolysis process to form biochar. Biochar is a porous-structured product with numerous applications and benefits, such as providing nutrients to plants, and is widely used in agriculture. This study aims to explore the potential of corn cob biochar, with and without treatment, as a substrate in hydroponic lettuce (Lactuca sativa L.) cultivation. Before conducting the pyrolysis, the residual corn cob raw material was characterized, and the moisture content was found to be 8,327±0,274%, ash content was 1,463±0,006%, and extractives were 6,400±0,347%. The corn cob pyrolysis tests followed a factorial experimental design 23+PC (central point), in which different pyrolysis conditions were studied, including temperatures of 441, 500, and 559 °C, residence times in the reactor of 0,5, 1,0, and 1,5h, and biomass particle sizes of 2, 3, and 4 mm. Mathematical models were developed to explain the experimental responses, and the global desirability tool was applied, identifying that test 3 (temperature of 441 °C, time of 1,5h, and biomass size of 2 mm) was the most suitable for maximizing the selected responses of yield and cation exchange capacity (CEC). Under these pyrolysis conditions, the yield for the biochar was 27,306%, and the CEC was 36,757 cmol kg-1. Biochar produced under the conditions of test 3 was treated with phosphoric acid, followed by neutralization with magnesium hydroxide (designated as B2), and treated with phosphoric acid + magnesium hydroxide + sodium selenite (designated as B3), with B1 being the untreated biochar. The phosphorus (P) concentration increased from the acid treatment of 2,491±0,101 mg L-1 to 25,093±0,488 mg L-1. After treatment with magnesium hydroxide, the magnesium concentration obtained was 10,736±0,184 mg L-1, an element that was not detected in B1. After treatment with selenium, the concentration obtained was 13,360±0,205 mg L-1. A solubility test was conducted to verify the concentration of this element transferred to water, as the goal was to evaluate the potential of the treated biochar as a substrate in hydroponic cultivation, and excessive selenium concentrations can be toxic to plants. The selenium concentration obtained in the water after the solubility test was 0,725±0,015 mg L-1, appropriate for application in hydroponic cultivation. The B1 and B3 biochars were used as substrates in the hydroponic cultivation of lettuce at a biochar:perlite ratio of 1:1 (v/v) for B3 and 1:1 (v/v), as well as 0.5:1 (v/v) for B1. The highest growth parameters were obtained when applying the treated biochar, showing that the treatment was effective. After 4 weeks of cultivation, the average number of leaves reached 7,31±0,20, the average aerial part height was 11,25±0,34 cm, and the average leaf width was 4,81±0,10 cm. Based on the results obtained, it can be concluded that the biochars produced in the experimental trials were of good quality and can be applied in hydroponic lettuce cultivation, especially the trial 3 treated with P, Mg, and Se. Publisher: Universidade Estadual do Oeste do Paraná Tipo do documento: Dissertação Tue, 24 Feb 2026 00:00:00 GMT https://tede.unioeste.br/handle/tede/8469 2026-02-24T00:00:00Z