Prediction of product distribution in fine biomass pyrolysis in fluidized beds based on proximate analysis

• A model was developed to predict product distribution from biomass pyrolysis.
• The model is based on proximate analysis and hydrodynamics in fluidized beds.
• Relationships between product yields and fluidization condition were derived.
• Gas and char yields are a strong function of temperature and vapor residence time.

A predictive model was satisfactorily developed to describe the general trends of product distribution in fluidized beds of lignocellulosic biomass pyrolysis. The model was made of mass balance based on proximate analysis and an empirical relationship with operating parameters including fluidization hydrodynamics. The empirical relationships between product yields and fluidization conditions in fluidized bed pyrolyzers were derived from the data of this study and literature. The gas and char yields showed strong functions of temperature and vapor residence time in the pyrolyzer. The yields showed a good correlation with fluidization variables related with hydrodynamics and bed mixing. The predicted product yields based on the model well accorded well with the experimental data.