Feedstock for fast pyrolysis process

A wide variety of different feedstock can be processed in the BTG pyrolysis process – in the past years tests have been carried out with wood, chicken manure, energy crops, straw, rice husk, palm-oil residues and many more. The type of biomass/residue influences the pyrolysis oil yield and quality. Typically, woody biomass gives the highest yields.

Before entering the reactor, the particles must be reduced to a size below 6 x 6 x Z mm and its moisture content to below 10 wt%. Normally, sufficient excess heat is available from the pyrolysis plant to dry the biomass from 40–50 wt% moisture to below 10 wt%. Biomass pyrolysis tests are always needed for oil and ash analysis (among other things) to optimise pyrolysis plant designs. BTG owns a small pyrolysis unit for this purpose and we are always interested in new feedstock.

Examples	Bagasse	Woodchips	Poultry litter	EFB
Yield (wt%)	55-65	65-70	40-50	50-60
Heating Value (MJ/kg)	17-19	17-19	23-25	16-18