Vacuum pyrolysis of sugarcane bagasse

The objective of this study was to provide background data on sugarcane bagasse vacuum pyrolysis. Product yields and properties were investigated. Vacuum pyrolysis tests were performed at bench and pilot plant scales. The bagasse finest particles with a diameter smaller than 450 pm were removed in order to overcome difficulties caused by their low density and high ash content. In comparison with the pyrolysis test carried out in the pilot reactor, the pyrolysis tests performed at the laboratory scale yielded more oil (34.4 vs. 30.1 wt.%) and less charcoal (19.4 vs. 25.7 wt.%). This bio-oil was found to be a potential valuable liquid fuel: it has a low ash content (0.05 wt.%), a relatively low viscosity (4.1 cSt at 90 degreesC), a high calorific value (22.4 MJ/kg) and a low content of methanol insoluble materials (0.4 wt.%). Accelerated ageing tests performed at 80 degreesC indicated that the bio-oil has a thermal susceptibility similar to oils obtained from other biomass materials. The charcoal, gas and aqueous phase were also characterized. (C) 2002 Elsevier Science B.V. All rights reserved.