The yield of pyrolysis gas can vary significantly depending on several factors.
These factors include the pyrolysis temperature and process conditions.
At low temperatures, typically up to about 650°C, the yield of condensable vapors is maximized.
This results in about 70% of the biomass weight being obtained as a liquid.
However, at high temperatures, above 700°C, the gas yields are maximized.
About 80% of the biomass is converted to a combustible gas.
In slow pyrolysis processes, around 10-35% of biogas is produced.
This is similar to the yield of char.
Syngas yield is highly influenced by the pyrolysis temperature.
It is possible to achieve a higher yield in flash pyrolysis with high temperatures.
5 Key Factors to Consider
1. Reactor Temperature
The reactor temperature plays a crucial role in the product distribution during pyrolysis.
As the temperature increases, the inner moisture of the biomass evaporates first.
This is followed by thermal degradation and devolatilisation of the dried particle portion.
This process leads to the production of tar and volatile species.
These then undergo secondary reactions such as decarboxylation, dehydrogenation, deoxygenation, and cracking.
These reactions form components of syngas.
Higher temperatures favor tar decomposition and the thermal cracking of tar.
This increases the proportion of syngas and reduces oil and char yields.
2. Syngas Composition
Syngas mainly consists of hydrogen (H2) and carbon monoxide (CO).
It may also contain a small volume of nitrogen (N2), water, carbon dioxide (CO2), hydrocarbons such as C2H4, CH4, C2H6, ash, tar, and so on.
These components are obtained during several endothermic reactions at high pyrolysis temperatures.
3. Pyrolysis Process Type
In slow pyrolysis processes, the yield of pyrolysis gas can range from 10-35%.
In fast pyrolysis processes with high temperatures, the yield can reach about 80%.
The gas yield is highly influenced by the pyrolysis temperature.
Higher temperatures favor the production of syngas and reduce oil and char yields.
4. Biomass Feedstock
The type of biomass feedstock used can also affect the yield of pyrolysis gas.
Different feedstocks have varying compositions and react differently under pyrolysis conditions.
5. Secondary Reactions
Secondary reactions such as decarboxylation, dehydrogenation, deoxygenation, and cracking play a significant role in the final product distribution.
These reactions are influenced by the pyrolysis temperature and the type of biomass used.
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