Slow and pressurized co-pyrolysis of coal and agricultural residues
Résumé
The distribution of products from the slow heating rate pyrolysis of coal, corn residues (cobs and stover),
sugarcane bagasse and their blends were investigated by slow pressurized pyrolysis in a packed bed
reactor. A factorial experimental design was implemented to establish the relative significance of coal–
biomass mix ratio, temperature and pressure on product distribution. Results showed that the yield
and composition of tar and other volatile products were mostly influenced by mix ratio, while temperature
and pressure had a low to negligible significance under the range of conditions investigated. Analysis
of the composition of condensates and gas products obtained showed that there was significant synergy
or chemical interactions in the vapor phase during co-pyrolysis of coal and biomass. However, the interactions
did not significantly affect the relative distribution of the lumped solid, liquid and gas products
obtained from the blends, beyond what would be expected assuming additive behavior from the contributing
fuels.