Proximate Analysis of Green Algae

In this research work, the pyrolysis characteristics of a codium fragile as a model for marine biomass were studied using a thermogravimetric analyzer (TGA) to understand the devolatilization process as they undergo heat treatment. In the first stage, we estimated higher heating values (HHVs) of the algae base on ultimate analysis. Proximate analysis of the algae showed 6-10% water content (for freeze dried sample), 35 - 40% degradable products, 10-16% fixed carbon, and 35-40% ash content. In the second stage, for pyrolysis reactions the influences of particle size, initial weight of the sample, and heating rate on the devolatilization of the algae particles have been investigated. Particle size does not have a significant effect on the TG profile of the algae pyrolysis. The TG curve for variation in initial weight of the sample showed significant difference. According to the TG curves of the algae samples at different initial weights, it is clear that the char yield increased as the initial weight of the algae increased. In addition, the thermogram of pyrolysis of algae differed significantly for variation in heating rate. As the heating rates increased, the char yield decreased somewhat.