Digital Commons Network^™

Investigating Potential Pathways To Optimize The Effectiveness Of The Pyrolysis Process, Matthew John Klaas

Digitized Theses

Biomass pyrolysis is a method of green fuel production, but the process is still unrefined and has a need for further optimization and process exploration. Since the process has many variables, it is important to try and identify and optimize variables which have a large impact on the process and the products.

The first portion of investigation was the steam reforming of the pyrolytic chars from different biomasses to produce a hydrogen-rich gas. Since there is a need to remove the char from the bed (fluidization disruption, reduction in bio-oil yields) and there is currently no continuous char removal system …

An Investigation Of Biochar Removal Systems For Pyrolysis Reactors, Craig Charles Wilson Mara

Digitized Theses

Fluidized bed biomass pyrolysis is a process that is becoming popular for the conversion of agricultural, municipal and forestry residues into liquid bio-oils, solid biochar and gaseous products. Bio-oil vapors leave the reactor vessel with the produced gases. Also produced however, is a low density biochar particles which accumulate in the bed. Though some fine biochar particles can be elutriated, a significant amount remains in the bed. Accumulation of biochar leads to poor process stability and defluidization of the bed. Moreover, biochar may have negative effects on the pyrolysis reactions. In the current implementation of a mobile pyrolysis unit, the …