Integrating biomass pyrolysis with waste heat recovery from hot slags via extending the C-loops: Product yields and roles of slags

The present study characterized a novel route, biomass pyrolysis using the waste heat in high temperature slags via extending the C-loops in the agricultural sector and metallurgy. The equilibrium yields of valuable syngas and biochar were clarified systemically here, in addition to the polluting gases. The results proved that compared to steel slags (SS), blast furnace slags (BFS) only had a limited influence at low temperatures (<700 °C). With respect to SS, there was a transition temperature range in which their roles varied remarkably, i.e., an increase of iron oxide content in SS continuously enhanced the CO yield over 700 °C, whereas a varying basicity mainly affected the pyrolysis results below 700 °C. Regarding the polluting gases, the overall effect of hot slags was quite limited, indicating that no great environmental impacts would be brought in this combined system.