FAST PYROLYSIS of BIOMASS with ACTIVATED ALUMINA

Abstract

In this study, corncob was chosen as a biomass sample and the pyrolysis of this sample was carried out with or without catalyst at different conditions in a well-swept fixed-bed reactor. In the experimental studies, firstly the raw material was analysed for its moisture, ash, volatile matter and fixed carbon. Then, experiments were conducted with a heating rate of 700 degrees C/min, mean particle size and between 300-800 degrees C pyrolysis temperatures with or without catalyst. The catalytic experiments involved a dry mixing of the catalyst with the biomass using an in bed-mode in the nitrogen atmosphere. In the experimental studies, influence of catalyst and temperature on the corncob products was investigated. According to the experimental results; maximum bio-oil yield was obtained as 36.1% and 34.8% with or without catalyst at a pyrolysis temperature of 500 degrees C, respectively. The use of catalyst showed its cracking effect at higher temperatures and the gas yield increased above pyrolysis temperature of 500 degrees C. Pyrolysis oils were examined by using elemental analysis and GC/MS. According to all results; the use of catalyst can be suggested in the pyrolysis to obtain both good quality fuels and valuable chemicals.