Effect of Operating Conditions and Fractional Condensation on Pyrolytic Products

Abstract

The effects of biomass type, size, and pyrolysis temperature on pyrolytic products distribution have been investigated. Hence, reaction temperatures (400, 450, 500, and 550 °C) and biomass feedstock sizes (0.15-0.5, 0.5-1.0, and 1.0-2.0 mm) were applied. Decomposition of palm kernel shell and mesocarp fiber was performed in a fluidized bed pyrolyzer with nitrogen gas flow rate of 25 L(NTP)/min. The maximum bio-oil yield (39.6 %) was gained from PKS of 0.15-0.5 mm at 500 °C. Many evidence showed that small particle size produced the most noticeable amount of bio-oil production. The fluidized bed pyrolysis reactor used possesses six successive condensers operated at three temperatures. Thus, six fractions of bio-oil samples were obtained from these six condensers. The properties of each bio-oil sample were determined including calorific value, elements, water and ash contents, and major compounds in the bio-oils. The compositions of water and major compounds in the fractional liquids of these six successive condensers were also reported.