The emissions from pyrolysis of wood primarily include light gases such as carbon monoxide (CO) and carbon dioxide (CO2), volatile organic compounds (VOCs) including light alcohols, aldehydes, ketones, and organic acids, and solid residues rich in carbon known as char or biochar.
Light Gases: During the pyrolysis process, wood is heated in the absence of oxygen, leading to the thermal decomposition of its organic components. This decomposition results in the release of light gases including carbon monoxide and carbon dioxide. Carbon monoxide is a product of incomplete combustion and is formed when there is insufficient oxygen to convert all the carbon in the wood to carbon dioxide. Carbon dioxide is a more stable gas and is produced when the carbon in the wood reacts with oxygen.
Volatile Organic Compounds (VOCs): In addition to the 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 example, the cellulose in wood can decompose to form levoglucosan, while the lignin can decompose to produce phenolic compounds. Hemicellulose, another component of wood, decomposes to yield furfurals.
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 a valuable product, traditionally used as a fuel in agrarian communities and historically in steel production. The char produced can also contain some impurities, such as aromatic compounds, depending on the specific conditions of the pyrolysis.
In summary, the emissions from the pyrolysis of wood are diverse and include gaseous, liquid, and solid products. These emissions are influenced by the specific conditions of the pyrolysis process, including temperature, heating rate, and the presence or absence of oxygen. The gases and VOCs can be used as fuel or chemical feedstock, while the char can serve as a carbon-rich fuel or soil amendment.
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