Fixed-bed pyrolysis of Miscanthus x giganteus:: Product yields and bio-oil characterization

The energy crop miscanthus x giganteus was pyrolyzed in a laboratory-scale fixed-bed reactor. The influence of final pyrolysis temperature, heating rate, and particle size on the pyrolysis yields were investigated. Pyrolysis temperature, heating rate, and particle size of miscanthus x giganteus were varied: 350-650degrees C, 10-75degrees C/min, and 0.112-1.80 mm, respectively. The temperature is the most important variable in pyrolysis of miscanthus x giganteus, significantly influencing the product yields. It was observed that the particle size had no significant effect on the product yields. The highest bio-oil yield of 23.92 wt% was obtained at 550degrees C final pyrolysis temperature at a heating rate of 50degrees C/min with the particles of 0.425 < Dp < 0.600 mm. The oil product was identified in detail to determine the composition and characteristics. The chemical characterization has shown that the bio-oil obtained from miscanthus x giganteus can be used as a renewable fuel and chemical feedstock.