Biomass is recognized as a renewable energy source with high potential. Its pyrolysis produces biogas, a storable bio-oil and char. Although bio-oil also contains a variety of C, H, O components; it also contains value-added chemicals such as levoglucosan. Pyrolysis proceeds at moderate temperatures (300 to 400 °C) temperatures in a slow mode, or at >> 500 °C is a fast mode. At low temperatures and long residence times, slow pyrolysis fosters the production of pyrolysis gas and biochar. At a very fast heating rate and a short residence time in the reactor, the pyrolysis mode changes to the so-called fast mode, where liquid pyrolysis products are higher than in slow pyrolysis mode. After condensation, a brown, acid, and low viscosity bio-oil is obtained. The research will assess the slow pyrolysis system, through its conversions, product distribution and process economics in view of a maximum gas and char production, both considered advantageous toward for energy-carrier storage and peak-time electricity generation.




