Biomass pyrolysis

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.

Biomass pyrolysis is an effective way to produce green energy and carbon sink.

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 (biocoal)

Carbon contained in char from biomass is considered as CO2 neutral and can avoid emissions compared to fossil fuel.

Soil amendment and carbon sink (biochar)

Biochar have interesting agronomical properties such as water retention and nutriment release control. It is also an important carbon sink allowing carbon sequestation.

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.