Topics:

Biomass Pyrolysis and biomass gasification

Submitted by:
Shahzaib (2020-CH-233)

Submitted to:
Dr. M. Sulaiman

Biomass Pyrolysis
Definition: Biomass pyrolysis is a thermal decomposition process that occurs in the
absence of oxygen, leading to the breakdown of organic materials into volatile
compounds, bio-oil, char, and gases.

Process Overview:
  Biomass is heated in an oxygen-starved environment (anaerobic conditions) at
temperatures typically ranging from 300°C to 800°C Typically 550°C
 The biomass undergoes thermal decomposition, resulting in the release of
volatile compounds.
 These volatile compounds are then condensed to produce bio-oil, leaving behind
solid residue known as biochar.
 Gases such as methane, carbon monoxide, hydrogen, and carbon dioxide are also
produced during the process.
Products:
 Bio-oil: A liquid mixture of organic compounds that can be further refined into
biofuels or used as a precursor for various chemicals.
 Biochar: A solid carbon-rich material that can be used as a soil amendment to
improve soil fertility and carbon sequestration.
 Gases: These gases can be used as fuel for heat and power generation or as a
feedstock for chemical synthesis.
Here's a comparison of different types of reactors used for biomass pyrolysis
based on various factors including yield, particle size handling, biomass
variability, scale-up potential, and flow rate:

Particle Size Biomass

Reactor Type Yield Handling Variability Scale-Up Potential
Limited control Moderate Limited
Fixed Bed Reactor Moderate to High
High Good control High High
Fluidized Bed Reactor
High Moderate control High Moderate
Rotary Kiln Reactor
Moderate to High Good control High High
Screw Pyrolysis Reactor
Low to
Microwave Pyrolysis Moderate to High Limited control Moderate Limited
Reactor
Hydrothermal Pyrolysis Moderate to High Limited control Moderate Moderate
Reactor
Applications:
 Production of biofuels such as bio-oil, biodiesel, and bioethanol.
 Soil improvement through the application of biochar.
 Generation of renewable energy through the combustion of pyrolysis gases.

Pyrolysis Principles:
Pyrolysis is thermal degradation of biomass by heat in the absence of oxygen, which
results in the production of charcoal (solid), bio-oil (liquid), and fuel gas products. The
pyrolysis of biomass has been studied with the Ž nal objective of recovering a bio-fuel
with medium-low caloriŽ c power
Biomass Charcoal + Volatile matter
Biomass Gasification:

Definition: Biomass gasification is a thermochemical process that converts biomass into

a combustible gas mixture known as syngas or producer gas, consisting primarily of
hydrogen, carbon monoxide, and methane.
Gasification performance
There are a few parameters that have an effect on the performance of the syngas production
during gasification. The types of the gasifier and the operating conditions (such as the
temperature, gasification agent, biomass particle size and type of bed materials) should be
thoroughly investigated in order to design the best gasification system. These factors will be
further highlighted in following sections.
1. Effect of the gasifier types
2. Effect of the temperature
3. Effect of the biomass particle size
4. Effect of the gasification agent
5. Effect of the bed material
Process Overview:
 Biomass is heated in a gasifier reactor in the presence of a controlled amount of
oxygen or steam.
 Partial oxidation of the biomass occurs, producing a syngas rich in hydrogen and
carbon monoxide.
 The composition of the syngas can be adjusted by controlling operating
parameters such as temperature, pressure, and feedstock composition.
 The produced syngas can be cleaned and conditioned for various applications.
 Products:
 Syngas: A versatile gaseous fuel that can be used for heat and power generation,
as well as for the production of fuels and chemicals.
 Tar and Char: Byproducts formed during the gasification process, which need to
be cleaned from the syngas to avoid equipment fouling and ensure product
quality.
Applications:
 Production of heat and electricity through combustion of syngas in gas engines
or turbines.
 Synthesis of liquid fuels such as methanol, ethanol, and synthetic diesel.
 Production of chemicals such as ammonia, methanol, and hydrogen.

Comparison:

 Output: Biomass pyrolysis primarily yields bio-oil and biochar, while biomass
gasification produces syngas as the main product.
 Temperature and Oxygen: Pyrolysis occurs at higher temperatures in the absence of
oxygen, while gasification requires a controlled supply of oxygen or steam.
 End Products: While both processes produce valuable products, the choice between
pyrolysis and gasification depends on the desired output and specific application
requirements.

Both biomass pyrolysis and gasification offer promising pathways for the utilization of
biomass resources, contributing to renewable energy production, waste management,
and sustainable development. Their versatility and ability to produce a range of valuable
products make them attractive options in the transition towards a more sustainable
energy economy.