Open AccessInvestigation of carbonization process parameters to manage Japanese knotweed (Fallopia japonica) in the UK
Author(s) -
Quentin Cheok,
Carsten Kuenzel,
Stephen R. Smith,
G.D. Fowler
Publication year - 2020
Publication title -
iop conference series. materials science and engineering
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
eISSN - 1757-899X
pISSN - 1757-8981
DOI - 10.1088/1757-899x/991/1/012104
Subject(s) - carbonization , rhizome , char , botany , horticulture , pulp and paper industry , environmental science , chemistry , pyrolysis , biology , organic chemistry , adsorption , engineering
Japanese knotweed ( Fallopia japonica ) is an invasive and destructive floral species in the UK. It causes a significant problem to natural and built environments. Stems and/or rhizomes need to be burned before disposal in order to prevent further propagation [1]. This process has a high carbon footprint and a decrease is favored. Hence, carbonization of Japanese knotweed into char, bio-oil and syngas has been proposed. In this paper, carbonization has been demonstrated to be possible. Japanese knotweed can be separated into 2 main parts: stems and rhizomes. Both parts were characterized for their chemical, physical & thermal properties and subsequently carbonized between 300 to 800°C with the duration held for 1h and 2h. It was found that stable carbonization parameters occurred at 600°C with duration of 1h. At higher temperatures, no further formation of char, oil or gas occurred. The calorific values for Japanese knotweed stem char and bio-oil were 31.2 MJ kg −1 and 13.7 MJ kg −1 , respectively, whereas those for Japanese knotweed rhizomes char and bio-oil were 31.7 MJ kg −1 and 23.3 MJ kg −1 , respectively. Carbonization may therefore, be a viable bio-fuel option for the management of Japanese knotweed.