Microwave Pyrolysis of Biomass: The Influence of Surface Area and Structure of a Layer

Abstract

The paper presents the results of experimental research into lab-scale microwave pyrolysis of wood biomass. The influence of the surface area and the structure of the biomass layer on the characteristics of pyrolysis during microwave heating are discussed. We have established that the biomass layer structure and surface area have a significant effect on the yield of pyrolysis gas. The approach of creating artificial deformation of the biomass layer was tested. The elements of artificial porosity made it possible to increase the CO yield by 18% and 32% compared to the pyrolysis of a biomass layer with artificial channels and a uniform layer, respectively. The concentration of H2 was 33% higher compared to the layer without artificial pores and 3% lower compared to artificial channels. The yield of CO2 increased by 25%, and the yield of CH4 doubled. The experiments showed that the distribution of biomass on a half of the bottom of the crucible and the additional porosity of the biomass layer surface effectively increase the yield of the pyrolysis gas components. Recommendations for increasing the efficiency of microwave pyrolysis of biomass were formulated.