The yield of bio-oil in pyrolysis is typically around 75 wt.% when using fast pyrolysis techniques. This high yield is achieved through optimized conditions such as moderate temperatures (around 500 °C), rapid heating of biomass particles, short residence time of the pyrolysis vapors, and fast quenching of these vapors to condense the bio-oil.
Bio-oil, also known as pyrolysis oil, is a liquid product derived from the pyrolysis process, which involves the rapid heating and rapid quenching of biomass in a low oxygen atmosphere. This process transforms biomass into a liquid form that is more easily pumped, stored, and chemically modified compared to its solid form. The bio-oil produced is a complex mixture of oxygenated organic compounds, polymers, and water, with a water content typically ranging from 14–33 wt%. The presence of water and high oxygen content (up to 40% by weight) contributes to its lower heating value (15–22 MJ/kg), which is significantly lower than that of conventional fuel oil (43–46 MJ/kg).
The bio-oil's properties include a low pH, poor volatility, high viscosity, and high oxygen content, which make it unstable and acidic. These characteristics necessitate further processing to upgrade the bio-oil into more functional products, especially if it is intended for use as a transportation fuel. Upgrading processes can involve conventional petroleum refining technologies such as hydrotreating and hydrocracking, potentially enhanced by the use of catalysts during the pyrolysis process to improve the quality of the bio-oil through deoxygenation.
In summary, the yield of bio-oil in pyrolysis, particularly in fast pyrolysis, is substantial (75 wt.%), but the product requires careful handling and further processing due to its complex and unstable nature. The optimization of pyrolysis conditions and the use of catalysts are key strategies to enhance the quality and usability of bio-oil.
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