Fast pyrolysis of linseed: product yields and compositions

Fixed-bed fast pyrolysis experiments have been conducted on a sample of linseed (Linum usitatis-simum L.) to determine particularly the effect of pyrolysis temperature, heating rate, particle size and sweep gas flow rate on the pyrolysis product yields and their compositions. The maximum oil yield of 57.7 wt.% was obtained at a final pyrolysis temperature of 550degreesC, particle size range 0.6 mm < d(p) < 1.8 mm, with a heating rate of 300degreesC min(-1) and sweep gas flow rate of 100 cm(3) min(-1) (N-2) in a well-swept resistively heated fixed-bed reactor. The pyrolysis products were characterised by elemental analysis and various chromatographic and spectroscopic techniques. Chromatographic and spectroscopic studies on oil showed that it can be used as a renewable fuel and chemical feedstock, with a calorific value of 38.45 MJ/kg and empirical formula of CH1.64O0,11N0.03. (C) 2003 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.