Pyrolysis thermally decomposes lignocellulosic materials into tar vapor and gases leaving the carbonaceous solid residue (char). Although numerous studies have been reported for this key process of biomass thermal conversion, pyrolysis remains as the ...
Pyrolysis thermally decomposes lignocellulosic materials into tar vapor and gases leaving the carbonaceous solid residue (char). Although numerous studies have been reported for this key process of biomass thermal conversion, pyrolysis remains as the most complicated phenomena due to the complexity associated with the structural changes, a large number of compounds generated and their secondary reactions. One difficulty in biomass studies is the gap between the analytical characterization using a thermogravimetric analyzer (TGA) and pyrolysis of actual large particles. This paper reports a preliminary study on the effect of particle size in pyrolysis using wood pellets. The pyrolytic mass loss curve from a TGA with fine sawdust and a thermobalance with large pellets were compared, and the difference was discussed using prediction of heat transfer rates. Further study is required on detailed product characterization including the tar and gases for various particle sizes.