Traditional pyrolysis is the process of thermally decomposing organic matter, such as biomass, in the absence of oxygen or with significantly less oxygen than needed for complete combustion. This decomposition occurs at elevated temperatures, typically above 430 °C (800 °F), and under pressure. The term "pyrolysis" is derived from the Greek words "pyro" meaning fire and "lysis" meaning separating.
During traditional pyrolysis, the organic matter is subjected to heat, causing it to break down into various products. These products include noncondensable gases, condensable liquids, and a solid residual coproduct called biochar or charcoal. The specific distribution of these products depends on factors such as temperature, residency time, feed pretreatment, and the equipment used.
The process of traditional pyrolysis has been practiced since ancient times. For example, the ancient Egyptians used wood distillation, a form of pyrolysis, to collect tars and pyroligneous acid for their embalming industry and for caulking boats. In the 1800s, wood pyrolysis was a major industry for producing charcoal, which was used as fuel during the industrial revolution until it was replaced by coal.
Traditional pyrolysis has evolved into different processes, including fast pyrolysis, slow pyrolysis, and gasification. These processes have different characteristics and produce different products. Fast pyrolysis, for example, focuses on the rapid heating of biomass to produce a hydrocarbon-rich gas mixture, an oil-like liquid, and a carbon-rich solid residue. Slow pyrolysis, on the other hand, involves a slower heating process and typically produces more charcoal. Gasification is a process that converts biomass into a synthesis gas, which can be further processed into various fuels.
Overall, traditional pyrolysis is a thermal decomposition process that can convert biomass into valuable fuels and other products. It has a long history of use and continues to be an area of research and development for sustainable energy production.
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