Biomass pyrolysis
Valorization of waste biomass
Biomass stands for a large range of organic compounds from vegetable origins: sawdust from sawmills, forest residues, agricultural wastes, garden waste, demolition wood… In some cases, these products can not be used as is and are simply burned or disposed. Pyrolysis offers an alternative to transform these products into high value compounds.
Carbon based products
During pyrolysis of biomass, a carbon-rich solid called char is produced. Depending on feedstock and operating conditions, this char can develop different properties leading to different applications:
- Combustion as a substite to fossil fuel (charcoal). Carbon contained in char from biomass is considered as CO2 neutral and can avoid emissions compared to fossil fuel.
- Soil amendment (biochar). Biochar have interesting agronomical properties such as water retention and nutriment release control. Furthermore, the carbon contained in biochar is very stable and acts as a carbon sink.
- Substitution of fossil coke (biocarbon) Rich-carbon char can be used as a substitute of fossil coke in metallurgy. Once again, the carbon is CO2 neutral.
Oil and gas
Pyrolysis oil and gas are also produced during biomass pyrolysis. These compounds have high energetic content and can be burned to produce heat or steam. Other valorizations such as electricity, Hydrogen or Methane production can be considered.
References
ETIA has provided numerous industrial units for biomass pyrolysis, from various feedstock: woodpellets, woodchips, cocoa shells, garden wastes… Char is used as biochar or biocarbon while oil and gas provides heat for the plant.
