PYROLYSIS TECHNOLOGY

Pyrolysis is the thermal decomposition of complex organic matter in the absence of oxygen to simpler molecules that can be used as feedstocks for many processes. The main products produced by the pyrolysis process are

• activated carbon,
• biodiesel and 
• syngas.

Pyrolysis always consists of the endothermic reaction, though general combustion is done by the generation of heat reaction in the system

that produces solid, liquid, and gas, heating it at moderately high temperatures under a no oxygen or low oxygen atmosphere.

Biodiesel produced by the process of pyrolysis can be used purely as a fuel or for other petroleum products. The syngas is typically used for

combustion or to run turbines for power generation, including running the plant itself.

The biomass used in pyrolysis is typically composed of cellulose, hemicellulose, and lignin. The main parameters that govern the pyrolysis

process are 

• temperature, 
• heating rate, 
• solid residence time, 
• volatile residence time, 
• particle size and 
• density of particles.

Pyrolysis is, therefore categorised into three major types:

• flash,
• fast and 
• slow pyrolysis 

and are respectively based on

• temperature,
• heating rate and 
• residence time. 

The products of pyrolysis thus vary dramatically according to type. Cellulose is converted to

biochar and volatile compounds.