Pyrolysis of biomass

By,
NOR ASYIKIN BT AHMAD KHAN
M20162002172
WHAT IS PYROLYSIS ?
• Pyrolysis is a process of chemically decomposing of
biomass at elevated temperatures in the absence of
oxygen.
• The process typically occurs at temperatures above 430°C
(800°F) and under pressure.
• It simultaneously involves the change of physical phase
and chemical composition, and is an irreversible process.
• The word pyrolysis is coined from the Greek words "pyro"
which means fire and "lysis" which means separating.
Types of Biomass Pyrolysis SLOW PYROLYSIS

• Slow pyrolysis is characterized by lengthy solids and gas residence times,

low temperatures and slow biomass heating rates.
• In this mode, the heating temperatures ranges from 0.1 to 2°C (32.18 to
35.6°F) per second and the prevailing temperatures are nearly 500°C
(932°F).
• The residence time of gas may be over five seconds and that of biomass
may range from minutes to days.
• During slow pyrolysis, tar and char are released as main products as the
biomass is slowly devolatilized.
• Repolymerization/recombination reactions occur after the primary
reactions take place
• Biochar as the main product.
Types of Biomass Pyrolysis FLASH PYROLYSIS

• Flash pyrolysis occurs at rapid heating rates and moderate

temperatures between 400 and 600°C (752 and 1112°F).
• However, vapour residence time of this process is less than 2s.
Flash pyrolysis produces fewer amounts of gas and tar when
compared to slow pyrolysis.
• Limitations:
• poor thermal stability and corrosiveness of the oil,
• solids in the oil
• Bio-oil is the main product.
Types of Biomass Pyrolysis FAST PYROLYSIS

• This process is primarily used to produce bio-oil and gas.

• During the process, biomass is rapidly heated to temperatures of 650 to
1000°C (1202 to 1832°F) depending on the desired amount of bio-oil or
gas products.
• Char is accumulated in large quantities and has to be removed frequently.
• Produce 60% bio-oil, 20% biochar and 20% syngas.
Syngas, or synthesis gas, is a fuel gas mixture consisting primarily of
hydrogen, carbon monoxide, and very often some carbon dioxide.
The essential features of
Very high heating and heat transfer rates,
a fast pyrolysis process which require a finely ground feed.

Carefully controlled reaction temperature

of around 500oC in the vapour phase

Residence time of pyrolysis vapours in the

reactor less than 1 sec

Quenching (rapid cooling) of the pyrolysis

are:

vapours to give the bio-oil product.

Feedstock For Pyrolysis
Moisture content feedstock
• A wide range of biomass feedstock can be
used in pyrolysis processes, process is very
dependent on the moisture content of the
feedstock, which should be around 10%.
• At higher moisture contents, high levels of
water are produced and at lower levels there
is a risk that the process only produces dust
instead of oil.
• High-moisture waste streams, such as sludge
and meat processing wastes, require drying
before subjecting to pyrolysis
Particle size of feedstock
• most of the pyrolysis technologies can only
process small particles to a maximum of 2
mm keeping in view the need for rapid heat
transfer through the particle
• demand for small particle size means that the
feedstock has to be size-reduced before
being used for pyrolysis.
Product of Biomass Pyrolysis:
Biochar

Bio-oil

Gases including methane,

hydrogen, carbon monoxide, and
carbon dioxide.
Advantages Of Biomass Pyrolysis
Pyrolysis can be performed at relatively small scale and at remote locations.
• It enhance energy density of the biomass resource and reduce transport and handling costs.
• Pyrolysis process is endothermic and sufficient heat transfer surface has to be provided to meet process
heat needs.

A wide range of biomass feed stocks can be used in pyrolysis processes.

• The pyrolysis process is very dependent on the moisture content of the feedstock, which should be
around 10%. At higher moisture contents, high levels of water are produced and at lower levels there is a
risk that the process only produces dust instead of oil.
• High-moisture waste streams, such as sludge and meat processing wastes, require drying before
subjecting to pyrolysis.

The bio-char produced is highly absorbent.

• Increases the soil’s ability to retain water, nutrients and agricultural chemicals, preventing water
contamination and soil erosion.
High efficiency and good environmental performance characteristics.
• Provides an opportunity for the processing of agricultural residues, wood wastes and municipal solid
waste into clean energy.
• Bio-char sequestration could make a big difference in the fossil fuel emissions worldwide and act as a
major player in the global carbon market with its robust, clean and simple production technology.
Major Applications Of Pyrolysis
• It is widely used in chemical industry to produce
methanol, activated carbon, charcoal and other
substances from wood.
• Synthetic gas produced from the conversion of waste
using pyrolysis can be used in gas or steam turbines for
producing electricity.
• A mixture of stone, soil, ceramics and glass obtained
from pyrolytic waste can be used as a building material -
construction slag or for filling landfill cover liners.
• It plays a major role in carbon-14 dating and mass
spectrometry.
• It is also used for several cooking procedures like
caramelizing, grilling, frying and baking.
Reference:
• https://www.bioenergyconsult.com/biomass-pyrolysis/
• https://www.altenergymag.com/article/2009/02/biomass-
pyrolysis/502/
• https://www.bioenergyconsult.com/biomass-pyrolysis-
process/
• https://www.e-education.psu.edu/egee439/node/537
• http://task34.ieabioenergy.com/pyrolysis-reactors/
• https://www.cleantechloops.com/biomass-pyrolysis-
introduction/