FAQ
- Why do I want to convert my biomass into pyrolysis oil?
- Is my feedstock suitable for the pyrolysis process?
- What are the optimal feedstock dimensions?
- Is BTG pyrolysis plant commercially available?
- What are typical characteristics of commercial units?
- Does pyrolysis oil phase separation occur?
- Is phase separation of pyrolysis oil a problem?
- Other questions?
Why do I want to convert my biomass into pyrolysis oil?
- Conversion of bio-organic residues into a useful product (pyrolysis oil) reduces environmental pressure.
- Wide variety of different biomass types can be processed in the pyrolysis process.
- Pyrolysis oil is easy to store and transport, it facilitates decoupling of biomass supply and biofuel demand.
- Application of liquid biofuels such as pyrolysis oil is easier than that of solid biofuels; it can be used in oil or gas fired power plats and sitrict heating plants with minimal retrofitting.
- Pyrolysis oil is a greenhouse gas, neutral biofuel, for which there is a large and increasing potential.
The comparison of fast pyrolysis with other biomass conversion technologies can be found on the website of BTG-BTL.
Is my feedstock suitable for the pyrolysis process?
Most biomass can be pyrolysed with BTG’s technology. BTG has tested over 45 different types of biomass and less then 5 % was not that successful. Nevertheless, the feedstock always needs to be tested in the screening facilities.
What are the optimal feedstock dimensions?
- Moisture < 10 %. A dryer is integrated into the BTG system that can dry the biomass from about 50 % to the required moisture content of < 10 % without using fossil fuels.
- Size 6 x 6 x Z mm. BTG will be involved in the whole chain that is required to make the pyrolysis installation successful, therefore BTG will assist you with all necessary pretreatment steps.
Is BTG pyrolysis plant commercially available?
Yes. Presently, the BTG pyrolysis plant is available from capacities of 2 tons per hour to 5 tons per hour of dry biomass and more.
What are typical characteristics of commercial units?
| Feedstock particle size moisture content |
< 6 mm < 10 wt% |
| Capacity | 2–20 ton/hr |
| Pyrolysis oil yield | 50–75 wt% (i.e. 1–15 t/hr) |
| Specific investment costs | 1–1.5 million EUR per capacity unit (t/hr) |
The costs per capacity unit tend to be higher for smaller pyrolysis plants. Regarding the economy of the project the unit of smaller capacity than 2 t of feedstock per hour is not recommended.
Does pyrolysis oil phase separation occur?
Yes, depending heavily on the biomass feedstock and its moisture content there might be phase separation. Therefore biomass tests are needed for each (new) feedstock. There is no phase separation for woody material.
Is phase separation of pyrolysis oil a problem?
No, phase separation of pyrolysis oil is not a problem. Continuous stirring of the oil during storage will make the oil easily deployable without extra treatment. Or the oil can be treated after production, the water can be removed by evaporation.
Other questions?
Please contact us.