Analysis of Biomass to Energy Processes

The aim of the present study is the detailed investigation of the pyrolysis processes of lignocellulosic biomass. Pyrolysis conversion processes are an important technological option for biofuel production and energy recovery from biomass and wastes. Pyrolysis is also a first step in gasification and in other thermochemical conversion processes for the exploitation of energy from biomass. In such a wide horizon, two topics are investigated in detail: the thermal effects associated to the pyrolysis process, necessary to correctly assess the overall heat balances of thermochemical conversion processes, and the fate and conversion products of lignin during pyrolysis. Knowledge of the thermal behavior and reactivity of biomass is essential for the effective design and operation of thermochemical conversion units. Thus, the investigation of the influence of operating conditions on the outcomes of the thermal conversion of biomass feedstock in pyrolysis processes is an important element to enhance the design and the optimization of new biomass-to-energy processes. Thermoanalytical techniques, such as thermogravimetric analysis (TG) and differential scanning calorimetry (DSC), provide this information in a straightforward manner. Thinking in terms of a bio-refinery approach, lignin valorization is a key-issue for enhanced profitability of sustainable bio-based industries. The challenge, however, is that lignin is very difficult to decompose and generates very high amounts of solid residue as compared to other components of lignocelluloses. For this reason, the lignin pyrolysis has been experimentally investigated. In particular, a variation of the pyrolysis process for the production of a bio-oil is the liquefaction using a solvent. Thus the investigation of process parameters during lignin liquefaction has been studied as a method to make the lignin pumpable and easier to handle as a high-value liquid feedstock.