Converting Arabica Coffee Parchment into value added products: Technical and Economic Assessment

Abstract

The coffee processing industry is experiencing a continuous rise in residues due to increased coffee-cherry production. However, the utilization of coffee parchment, which contains toxic compounds, remains limited and requires further investigation. This study aims to convert coffee parchment into biochar for potential use as a raw material for porous carbon material. The research was conducted using a purpose-built pilot-scale reactor. The goal was to address challenges related to operational cost, simplicity in operation, and maintenance, utilizing the Net Present Value (NPV) approach. Results indicated that coffee parchment comprised 34.5% biochar, 42.15% bio-oil, and balanced un-condensable-gas. Additionally, biochar products consisted of 42.02% fixed carbon and 38.63% volatile matter. The pyrolysis equipment designed for coffee parchment showcased economic viability, considering optimized annual operating days and scalability for production.