February 21, 2019
Journal Article

Biomass Fast Pyrolysis Using a Novel Microparticle Microreactor Approach: Effect of Particles Size, Biomass Type, and Temperature

Abstract

Biomass fast pyrolysis is emerging as a front-running approach for the generation of renewable chemical and fuel resources. The pyrolysis temperature, solid and gas phase residence times, and biomass particle size and type have a substantial impact on char, oil and gas yields. A laboratory-scale fast pyrolysis technique was demonstrated using manufactured biomass microspheres. A unique single-particle (~10µg) micro-reactor technology coupled to a millisecond response flame ionization detector (fast-FID) was used to investigate the effects of relevant particle and process parameters and to capture the dynamic of real-time micro-scale single-particle pyrolysis for the first time. The manufactured biomass microspheres were produced by spray drying finely milled microcrystalline cellulose, switchgrass (Panicum virgatum) and tall fescue straw (Festuca arundinacea) flour. Keywords: biomass; fast pyrolysis; single particle; cellulose; switchgrass; tall fescue; flame ionization

Revised: April 10, 2020 | Published: February 21, 2019

Citation

Zolghadr A., J.J. Biernacki, and R.J. Moore. 2019. Biomass Fast Pyrolysis Using a Novel Microparticle Microreactor Approach: Effect of Particles Size, Biomass Type, and Temperature. Energy and Fuels 33, no. 2:1146–1156. PNNL-SA-139365. doi:10.1021/acs.energyfuels.8b03395