PYROLYSIS CHARACTERIZATION AND KINETICS OF YAGBATABITUMEN USING A TGA

Abstract

Pyrolysis kinetics of thermal decomposition of bitumen was investigated by thermogravimetric analysis(TGA). TGA experiments were conducted at multiple heating rates of 5, 10, 20oCmin–1 up to 800oC to obtain the pyrolysis characteristics of bitumen. Weight loss curve from TGA shows that three different stages occurred during bitumen pyrolysis. Weight loss profile and the final amount of coke formed changes with the heating rate.Differential method has been used for determining the kinetic parameters and the best fit for the order of reaction was found based on the R2 values. Kinetics results confirm the presence of three different stages in bitumen pyrolysis with kinetic parameters. The average activation energy for the first, second and third stages was 27, 78 and 84 kJ mol?1, respectively.