Biomass Pyrolysis in an Argon/Hydrogen Plasma Reactor

Abstract

When carbonaceous solids are injected into a thermal plasma, they are heated up rapidly and the volatile matter is released and cracked giving rise to CO, H 2 , CH 4 , C 2 H 2 and other light hydrocarbons. Laboratory studies on plasma pyrolysis have focused on coal rather than biomass feedstock. Compared to coal, biomass has higher volatile content, higher H/C ratio, and lower ash content, resulting in better product yield. Biomass contains less sulfur and nitrogen than coal, thereby reducing greenhouse gases, sulfur and nitrogen oxide emissions. Biomass pyrolysis in a laboratory argon/hydrogen plasma reactor was investigated. The samples tested were wood and rice husk. The major components of the gaseous product from biomass pyrolysis were H 2 , CO, C 2 H 2 , and CH 4 . A maximum carbon conversion of 79% and maximum oxygen conversion of 72% from the biomass feed to gaseous products were obtained. The product gas was suitable for synthesis gas applications. Given the potential environmental benefits of biomass as an energy resource, it could be a more suitable feedstock to plasma pyrolysis processes than fossil fuels.