Fast Pyrolysis in a Microfluidized Bed Reactor: Effect of Biomass Properties and Operating Conditions on Volatiles Composition as Analyzed by Online Single Photoionization Mass Spectrometry

Abstract

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.

Catalytic Fast Pyrolysis of Biomass over Microporous and Hierarchical Zeolites: Characterization of Heavy Products

“…The mass of one cylinder on an anhydrous basis was 0.60 g (±0.2 g). More details about the sampling procedure and the composition of this biomass are available elsewhere. − …”

“…More details about the sampling procedure and the composition of this biomass are available elsewhere. [26][27][28]…”

Hydroperoxide Measurements During Low-Temperature Gas-Phase Oxidation of n-Heptane and n-Decane

“…These experiments were performed using an RTOF-MS equipped with a dual ion source for electron-impact and single-photon ionizations (PhotoTOF, Photonion GmbH, Germany, a custom-device developed for LRGP-Nancy). This mass spectrometer was previously used to analyze the outlet gas from fast pyrolysis of biomass performed in a microfluidized bed reactor . As is shown in Figure , products were sampled using a heated quartz capillary tube (200 μm diameter, 5 m length, flow of 3–4 mL/min), which was inserted directly within the JSR.…”

Cellulose fast pyrolysis for platform chemicals: assessment of potential targets and suitable reactor technology

“…The platform chemicals described in this section could be the potential targets of cellulose pyrolysis. Levoglucosenone and 5-HMF are minor products of fast pyrolysis; 2,5 FDCA, as mentioned above, can be catalytically produced from 65,131 Further, 5-CMF can also be produced through fast pyrolysis provided suitable catalysts are used. The use of solid and liquid catalysts is critical in determining the yield and selectivity of these chemicals.…”