Thermal Runaway in the Pyrolysis of Some Lignocellulosic Biomasses

• DOI: 10.1021/ef500296g
• Publication Date: 2014-03-10T19:18:55Z
• Authors: C. Di Blasi; C. Branca; F. E. Sarnataro; A. Gallo
• Keywords: Softwood; Torrefaction; Pyrolytic carbon; Pomace; Exothermic reaction

The thermal decomposition of a cylindrical fixed bed consisting agricultural residues (hazelnut shells, olive pomace, straw pellets) or softwood pellets, uniformly heated along the lateral surface, is investigated for heating temperatures in range 473–800 K, and comparison made with results previously obtained beech wood pellets. Although dependent on external conditions, exothermic reaction heat effects are evident all biomasses, giving rise to maximum temperature overshoots 225 K shells), 170 (olive pomace), 78 (straw), 53 (softwood (versus 86 pellets). For first two materials mild/moderate entire volume experiences large overshoots, so that qualitative features pyrolytic conversion those runaway. Explanations given, based different chemical physical properties samples, exothermicity level, its implications practical application torrefaction pyrolysis discussed.