pyrolysis of biomass 1.00pm-2.40pm - forest products society

Woody Biomass Utilizationhttp://ucanr.org/WoodyBiomass

Pyrolysis of Biomass 1.00pm-2.40pm1.00pm Pyrolysis 101

Gareth Mayhead, Woody Biomass Technology & Marketing, Universityof California Berkeley

1.10pm Biochar OpportunitiesJim Ippolito, Research Soil Scientist, USDA-ARS-Northwest Irrigation & Soils Research Laboratory, Kimberly, ID

1.40pm Pyrolysis Oil OpportunitiesAndy Soria, Associate Professor of Wood Chemistry & Environmental Science & Technology, University of Alaska, Palmer, AK

2.10pm Torrefaction OpportunitiesLarry Felix, Institute Scientist, Gas Technology Institute, Birmingham, AL

http://ucanr.org/WoodyBiomass

Woody Biomass Utilization

Pyrolysis of Biomass

The Basics

Smallwood Conference, Flagstaff, AZ, May 1, 2012

Gareth J MayheadUniversity of California BerkeleyIn partnership with:USDA Forest Service Region 5


• No silver bullets


Pyrolysis• Pyrolysis is thermal decomposition occurring in the

absence of oxygen– Energy required to raise temperature to start process may be

external or internal (part of biomass load)

• It is the first step of combustion and gasification• Family of related processes including:

– Slow pyrolysis– Torrification– Torrefaction– Airless drying– Destructive distillation – Fast pyrolysis


Slow pyrolysis – batch carbonization

• Proven technology (1000+ years)

• Low temperature, long residence time (550-750oF, 30mins-days)

• Flexible feedstock specification

• Burns part of the load for the energy input

• Charcoal is main product• Equipment available for large

and small scale production• AQ issues• Works in the woods!


Other slow pyrolysis unitsIndustrial unit• 20,000 ton/yr feedstock• 5000 ton/yr charcoal• 400kW electric

generation

Small retort• ~$30,000• 250 tons/yr feedstock• 62 tons/yr charcoal

www.fourseasonsfuel.co.uk


Fast pyrolysis

• Emerging technology• Moderate temperature, short residence time (930oF/~1s)• Products are bio-oil, char (and gas)

– Current application is liquid smoke

• Tight feedstock specification (clean, 1/16-1/8”, <10%

moisture)• Energy balance can be a problem (energy required for

drying and process heat)• Other pathway to make bio-oil is the liquefaction of

biomass using supercritical fluids


Fast pyrolysis – ROI mobile equipment demo, Oregon, Aug ‘09


Torrefaction (Dry Torrefaction – DT)• Emerging technology• Mild pyrolysis – roasting process• Low temperature (400-600oF), long residence time (1-3

hours)• Product is char (“bio-coal”)

– ~10-30% loss of mass (cheaper transportation)– Higher energy density (10,500 BTU/lb vs 8,500 BTU/lb)– Hydrophobic (store outside)– Easier to grind than wood– Potential fuel for coal power plants

• Alternative conversion pathway is hydrothermal carbonization (HTC)– Wet process

• Scale-up and financing is an issue for both


Pyrolysis Outputs1. Liquid (bio-oil - C, H, O and other constituents)2. Char3. Gas

Vary depending upon process conditions (residence time and temperature)…

Modified from PyNe data


Activated Carbon

• Open up carbon structure to increase surface area available to hold (adsorb) molecules and other substances

• Heat charcoal to 1470oF (800oC) in superheated steam to remove tars from structure

• Charcoal needs to have low ash and low volatile content (no bark)

• Coconut shell and hardwoods commonly used• Up to $4,000/ton


Factsheet


Pyrolysis of Biomass 1.00pm-2.40pm1.00pm Pyrolysis 101

Gareth Mayhead, Woody Biomass Technology & Marketing, Universityof California Berkeley

1.10pm Biochar OpportunitiesJim Ippolito, Research Soil Scientist, USDA-ARS-Northwest Irrigation & Soils Research Laboratory, Kimberly, ID

1.40pm Pyrolysis Oil OpportunitiesAndy Soria, Associate Professor of Wood Chemistry & Environmental Science & Technology, University of Alaska, Palmer, AK

2.10pm Torrefaction OpportunitiesLarry Felix, Institute Scientist, Gas Technology Institute, Birmingham, AL


Products and Markets

pyrolysis of biomass 1.00pm-2.40pm - forest products society

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