Despite the fact that the approach we have chosen for the neutralization process appears to be happening in backward, it is actually extremely possible and simple thanks to my previous inventive idea for producing cheap power from biomass. The kiln that is intended for burning biomass in that process, along with other equipment, can help to obtain several by-products.
To put it simply, in the country, burning wood inside of a closed chamber known as a kiln results in charcoal of excellent quality that has less moisture due to the controlled supply of air. Here, the smoke that is produced during combustion is transformed into flammable gas after undergoing numerous purifying procedures. When compared to other inorganic acids, pyroligneous acid, an organic acid that may be created and collected as a byproduct of this procedure, is comparatively very inexpensive.
As I was considering how to use this byproduct effectively, an idea began to form in my head. As an example, I would like to describe how the most basic concept that ever crossed my mind developed.
Most people in India have a practise or custom of chewing betel leaves in the form of “Pan-beedaa” on all occasions. In villages, everyone over the age of two and everyone in their middle years chew betel leaves with supari and lime after meals to aid in digestion. In most communities, this is a very common pastime for all social groups.
What we need to keep in mind is that the strong alkalic nature of lime alone will have an impact on the entire food pipe and stomach. To counteract this, betel leaves with an acidic nature are employed, and supari is then added. Now the lime is transformed into calcium, one of the most essential mineral salts for bone formation and other processes.
Why can’t this straightforward yet effective approach be used to neutralize sludge that has strong alkali nature?
Therefore, the alkaline sludge can be effectively neutralized using this organic acid (pyro-ligneous acid). The same can be changed into bio-food or used as fertilizer for plants. This is not just a significant benefit, but also a significant waste management solution, particularly for tanneries that don’t use the chrome method for tanning.
The production of this pyro-ligneous acid can also be done in bulk utilizing the technique of burning the local fire wood in the kiln for use in large-scale industrial purposes at very cheap cost, as the process of generating low-cost power from biomass has demonstrated. Additionally, since no pollution-causing smoke is released during this procedure, it is obvious that it is environmentally beneficial and won’t harm the atmosphere already in place.