**2.3. Characterization of the extracted CNSL samples**

Moisture content was determined by standard Dean and Stark apparatus as outlined by the Association of Official Analytical Chemists [20]. Viscosity was determined using a capillary viscometer in water bath maintained at 40°C. A pH meter model PYE 290 was calibrated and used to determine the pH of the samples. Specific Gravity was measured using a pycnometer at 25°C. Iodine value was obtained by the method of [21].

An oxygen bomb calorimeter (model 6400) was used to determine the calorific value of the CNSL samples under adiabatic condition. The heat of the system was regulated by using an electrolyte. The calorific values of CNS and its spent cake were measured by placing them in a capsule, which was then put in the calorimeter crucible. The calorific value is given by equation 1.

$$\text{calorific value } \left( \text{kcal/kg} \right) = \frac{\left( W + w \right) \left( T\_1 - T\_2 \right)}{X} \tag{1}$$

where

Obafemi Awolowo University, Ile‐Ife. The milled CNS was sieved to obtain a particle size range of 5 mm. The ground sample was stored at 4C in a refrigerator for further

The pyrolysis of the cashew nut shells was carried out in the pyrolysis reactor designed and fabricated at the Chemical Engineering Department of Obafemi Awolowo University, Ile‐Ife. About 150 g of the ground and dried CNS sample was placed in the reactor and heated. The reactor is connected to a condensing unit which has several condensers in series, in order to

6

1

8

1. Vent 2. Pressure gauge 3. Thermometer 4. Valve 5. Reactor vessel 6. Condenser

6

7. To condensate collector 8. Cooling water inlet 9. Heat electric cord 10. Heating plate

7

The temperature of the reactor tank and that of the exhaust gas stream were measured and recorded at regular intervals. The volatiles which condensed at the condensing Unit were collected in several glass bottles. The heating was stopped when no significant changes in temperature and gas condensates was observed. The reactor was then allowed to cool for about 6 h; the ash and char were separated, weighed and recorded. The mass of pyrolysis oil produced was determined by mass balance calculation of the whole recovery system, before

Moisture content was determined by standard Dean and Stark apparatus as outlined by the Association of Official Analytical Chemists [20]. Viscosity was determined using a capillary viscometer in water bath maintained at 40°C. A pH meter model PYE 290 was calibrated and used to determine the pH of the samples. Specific Gravity was measured using a pycnometer

An oxygen bomb calorimeter (model 6400) was used to determine the calorific value of the CNSL samples under adiabatic condition. The heat of the system was regulated by using an electrolyte. The calorific values of CNS and its spent cake were measured by placing them in a capsule, which was then put in the calorimeter crucible. The calorific value is given by

*X*

+ - <sup>=</sup> (1)

( ) ( ) ( ) 1 2 calorific value kcal / kg *Ww T T*

The temperature of the reactor tank and that of the exhaust gas stream were measured and recorded at regular intervals. The volatiles which condensed at the condensing Unit were collected in several glass bottles. The heating was stopped when no significant changes in temperature and gas condensates was observed. The reactor was then allowed to cool for about 6 h; the ash and char were separated, weighed and recorded. The mass of pyrolysis oil produced was determined by mass balance calculation of the whole recovery system, before and after the experiment. For the purpose of comparison, 10 g of the CNS sample was extracted

effectively recover the exhaust gases. The experimental rig is as shown in figure 6.

experimentation.

1

12 Advances in Petrochemicals

5

equation 1.

2 3

4

10

9

4

**2.2 Extraction of the CNS oil**

Figure 6.The experimental rig set-up.

by soxhlet extraction using *n*-hexane as a solvent.

**2.3. Characterization of the extracted CNSL samples**

at 25°C. Iodine value was obtained by the method of [21].

**Figure 6.** The experimental rig set-up.

