Bio-oil production and characterization

Fast pyrolysis of biomass is the thermal depolymerization of lignocellulosic material in the presence of little to no oxygen at temperatures typically ranging from 842-1,022 degrees Fahrenheit (450-550 degrees Celsius). Fast pyrolysis produces three primary products: non-condensable gases, biochar, and bio-oil. While yields of these products vary with operating conditions and reactor design, yields of bio-oil up to 70 percent are possible. Research has focused on maximizing yields and recovering high-value components of bio-oil that can be upgraded to fuels and chemicals.

Impact
Fast pyrolysis allows for conversion of low density feedstocks like agricultural and forest residues into an energy-dense, high-value intermediate. Because fast pyrolysis occurs at atmospheric pressure and relatively low temperatures, smaller scale, decentralized processing locations closer to the point of harvest are feasible. This greatly reduces the costs of transporting biomass feedstock to a biorefinery.

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