Optimization and Characterization of Carbon black and Lye Production using Prosopis plant
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Date
2016-06
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Addis Ababa University
Abstract
In Ethiopia, rangelands and farming areas within altitudes of 450 m to ~1000 m above
sea level are being invaded by Prosopis Juliflora plant. Because of its abundance and
government plan to eradicate through utilization, prosopis plant is used as an input for
Carbon Black and Lye production. Carbon black is a black powder made by burning
hydrocarbon in a limiting supply of air and it is used in the manufacture of automotive
tires, color printing ink, painting etc. Lye is a liquid obtained by leaching ash and used in
fertilizers, alkaline batteries, dyes etc. Hence the carbon black and lye production
optimization, its yield characterization and determination is investigated, material and
energy balance is calculated and its production feasibility is studied. Before the
experiment, the prosopis plant is collected, dried and crushed in small size 10nm. The
pyrolysis method is applied for CB production and optimum result is obtained at 500°c
and 1hr whereas white ash is mixed with water and filtration method is applied, and
optimum lye concentration with 14.50 pH value is obtained at a temperature 85°c for 24
hr. The feasibility study conducted for CB and Lye production using prosopis plant
indicated that its cost effectiveness. The overall result of this study shown the highly
invasion of prosopis plants in the country and worldwide guaranteed its abundance for
small scale production.
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Process Engineering