Empirical Correlations for Biomass Pyrolysis Predictions

Abstract

This work provides literature data on the characteristics of biomass pyrolysis. It is analyzed the behavior of product yields and properties on pyrolysis peak temperature dependence (within 200-1000ºC). Empirical relationships are derived from the collected data, which can be used to approximate the elemental composition and heating value of chars, tars and total permanent gas as well as yields of carbon monoxide, hydrogen and light hydrocarbons. Some of these relationships seem valid for almost any biomass and are roughly independent of the pyrolysis conditions. Since pyrolysis is a common stage on the thermo-chemical conversion of solid biomass, the information provided here can be applied in the scope of pyrolysis, gasification and combustion applications.