Abstract
To maximize oil yields in the fast pyrolysis of biomass it is generally accepted that vapors need to be rapidly quenched. The influence of the heterogeneous and homogeneous vapor-phase reactions on yields and oil composition were studied using a fluidized-bed reactor. Even high concentrations of mineral low char (till 55 vol %) appeared not to be catalytically active. However, the presence of minerals, either in biomass or added, does influence the yields, especially by the occurrence of vapor-phase charring/polymerization reactions. Contradictory, in the absence of minerals, homogeneous vapor-phase cracking reactions were dominant over polymerization/charring reactions (400–550°C, 1–15 s). With increasing vapor residence time, the oil yield reached an asymptotic value, which decreased with temperature. At a vapor temperature of 400°C no decrease in oil yield was observed, but dedicated analysis showed that homogeneous vapor to vapor reactions had occurred.
Original language | English |
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Pages (from-to) | 2830-2842 |
Number of pages | 13 |
Journal | AIChE journal |
Volume | 58 |
Issue number | 9 |
DOIs | |
Publication status | Published - 2012 |
Keywords
- Fast pyrolysis
- Reaction mechanism
- Biomass
- Vapor phase
- Minerals