A model for the vacuum pyrolysis of biomass
Date
2005-12
Authors
Rabe, Richardt Coenraad
Journal Title
Journal ISSN
Volume Title
Publisher
Stellenbosch : University of Stellenbosch
Abstract
Biomass is a significant renewable energy source and much research is currently being done to enable the production of biofuels and chemicals from biomass. This study looks at vacuum pyrolysis, a technology which has the potential to turn biomass, amongst other waste materials, into commercially valuable commodities.
Vacuum pyrolysis is the thermal degradation of a feedstock in the absence of oxygen and under low pressure, to produce a bio-oil and char as main products, together with water and non-condensable gases. Both the oil and char have a high energy content and may be used as fuels. An incredible number of chemical compounds are also found in the oil and these compounds can be extracted and sold as high value chemicals.
Description
Thesis (MScEng (Process Engineering))--University of Stellenbosch, 2005.
Keywords
Dissertations -- Process engineering, Theses -- Process engineering, Pyrolysis, Recycling (Waste, etc.)