(432f) Impact of Carrier Gas and Temperature on Biomass Fast Pyrolysis Using a New Microsphere Microreactor Approach

Biomass fast pyrolysis is emerging as a viable alternative for carbon-based resources. Yields and selectivity for fast pyrolysis is a function of numerous factors including rate of heating and quenching (residence times for heterogeneous and homogeneous events) and gas phase conditions including the composition of the carrier gas. Carrier gas composition is a parameter that has not been explored as comprehensively as other factors. In this study four gases were used, He, Ar, CO₂ and N₂, for the pyrolysis of crystal cellulose, tall fescue and switchgrass at temperatures between 500 and 900 °C. Individual manufactured biomass microspheres weighing nominally 10 micrograms each were pyrolized in a micro-reactor. The rate of hydrocarbon gas production was measured using a fast flame ionization detector (fast-FID). The effect of carrier gas on shrinkage of the biomass at different temperatures and char properties was investigated.