Characterization of product yield on pyrolysis of sawdust

In this study, pyrolysis of sawdust was investigated using a fixed bed reactor. The objectives of this project were to study the effect of pyrolysis parameters on production of bio-oil and bio-char and to analyze the characteristics of pyrolysis product. The variations of pyrolysis temperature are 450, 500, 550, 600 and 650 °C. The particle size was varied in the range of >1.18mm and <1.18 mm. The heating rate was at 40, 50 and 60 °C/min. The maximum product yield of bio-char was 49.28% obtained at 550 °C, with heating rate of 50 °C/min and particle size of <1.18mm. The maximum bio- oil yield was 28.86% and the maximum gas yield was 68.83%. The optimum gas was at the pyrolysis temperature of 450°C, heating rates of 60°C/min and particle size of <1.18mm. Sawdust can be utilized as biomass feedstock to increase bio-char product. It has high lignin content which can increase yield of bio-char. The bio-char is potential source of renewable fuel and chemical feedstock.