Techno-economic analysis of stepwise pyrolysis of cashew nutshell

Cashew processing generates edible nuts and significant nutshell residues, often discarded as waste.
However, these nutshells contain valuable compounds that can be transformed into useful products, presenting both a challenge and an opportunity for sustainable innovation. This research develops a stepwise process to convert cashew nutshell waste into valuable resources. The first step focuses on extracting and purifying cashew nutshell liquid, a versatile material with wide-ranging industrial uses. The remaining shells are then subjected to high-temperature pyrolysis, yielding biochar, bio-oil, and combustible gases, all of which have potential applications in renewable energy and industrial systems. Through a combination of experimental studies and advanced process modeling, this project optimizes the cashew nutshell valorization process. The work includes both a comprehensive economic assessment and a detailed life cycle analysis. These analyses assess the economic feasibility of industrial implementation and quantify the associated environmental benefits. The study validates stepwise pyrolysis of cashew nutshell as an economically and environmentally viable waste management solution, with the model serving as a tool for process optimization and planning.