The real-time analysis of volatiles
(primary tar) produced during the fast pyrolysis of biomass in a microfluidized
bed reactor (MFBR) is achieved by online single photoionization mass
spectrometry (SPI-MS). The effect of biomass composition (Douglas
fir, oak, and miscanthus), particle shape and size (cylinder, lamella,
or powder), bed temperature, and fluidizing gas flow-rate on primary
tar composition is studied. Principle component analysis is conducted
on the major ions analyzed by SPI-MS to evidence the significant differences
between conditions. The variance in obtained SPI-MS spectra reveals
the important effect of biomass composition and temperature on volatiles
composition. The effect of particle size on volatiles composition
is clearly evidenced. Typical pyrolysis regimes are defined according
to specific markers which are key chemical compounds to characterize
biomass fast pyrolysis. SPI-MS combined with a MFBR is an interesting
tool to unravel the effects of biomass composition and of heat and
mass transfers on biomass fast pyrolysis processes.
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