Pyrolysis of wood produces a variety of emissions, including light gases, volatile organic compounds (VOCs), and solid residues. Understanding these emissions is crucial for managing the process effectively.
3 Key Emissions Explained
1. Light Gases
During the pyrolysis process, wood is heated in the absence of oxygen. This leads to the thermal decomposition of its organic components. As a result, light gases such as carbon monoxide (CO) and carbon dioxide (CO2) are released. Carbon monoxide forms when there is insufficient oxygen to convert all the carbon in the wood to carbon dioxide. Carbon dioxide, on the other hand, is produced when the carbon in the wood reacts with oxygen.
2. Volatile Organic Compounds (VOCs)
In addition to light gases, wood pyrolysis also produces a range of VOCs. These include light alcohols, aldehydes, ketones, and organic acids. The specific compounds depend on the temperature and duration of the pyrolysis process. For instance, cellulose in wood can decompose to form levoglucosan, while lignin can produce phenolic compounds. Hemicellulose decomposes to yield furfurals.
3. Solid Residues (Char or Biochar)
The solid residue from wood pyrolysis is primarily char or biochar, which is rich in carbon. This char has a higher carbon content (75-90%) compared to the original wood (40-50% carbon) and is nearly sulfur-free. The char is traditionally used as a fuel in agrarian communities and historically in steel production. It can also contain some impurities, such as aromatic compounds, depending on the specific conditions of the pyrolysis.
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