Evaluation of the Thermal Decomposition Behaviour of Algal Biomass in a Rotary Kiln Pyrolyser

Abstract

The evaluation of the pyrolysis behaviour of solid fuels is commonly performed by use of thermogravimetric analysis (TGA) instruments. However, most TGA instruments simulate packed bed slow pyrolysis. The results generated by use of such instruments might need further mathematical manipulation in order to be applied in the design and operation of continuous biomass pyrolysis reactors that are being developed nowadays. The purpose of this study is to evaluate the pyrolysis behaviour of algal biomass by use of a laboratory scale rotary kiln pyrolyser. This study managed to show that it is possible to study the pyrolysis behaviour of algal biomass in a rotary kiln reactor. The main decomposition temperature of algal biomass was found to be in the temperature range 200-500 °C.