Journal of Analytical and Applied Pyrolysis
58–59 (2001) 491–501
Catalytic pyrolysis of biomass: influence of the
catalyst pretreatment on gas yields
L. Garcı ´a, M.L. Salvador, J. Arauzo, R. Bilbao *
Department of Chemical and Enironmental Engineering, Uniersity of Zaragoza, Pedro Cerbuna 12,
50009 Zaragoza, Spain
Received 7 April 2000; accepted 17 July 2000
Abstract
This experimental study of biomass catalytic pyrolysis at low temperatures (650 and
700°C) was carried out in an installation based on the Waterloo Fast Pyrolysis Process
(WFPP) technology, with a Ni/Al coprecipitated catalyst introduced into the reaction bed
where the thermochemical decomposition of biomass took place. The influence of the
calcination temperature (750 – 850°C) and the activation conditions (hydrogen flow rate) of
the catalyst were analyzed. The calcination temperature significantly influences the properties
and performance of the catalyst. For the two reaction temperatures, 650 and 700°C, and with
the catalyst calcined at 850°C, higher H
2
and CO yields were obtained with the reduced
catalyst (flow rate 3080 cm
3
(STP)/min; WHSV =0.826 h
-1
) than without reduction.
However, the catalyst calcined at 750°C without reduction showed a good performance at
the reaction temperature of 700°C. Considering the characterization and experimental
results, it can be deduced that the catalyst calcined at 750°C is reduced by the reaction
atmosphere forming a stable active phase, whereas for the catalyst calcined at 850°C more
severe reduction conditions are necessary. © 2001 Elsevier Science B.V. All rights reserved.
Keywords: Pyrolysis; Biomass; Nickel-alumina catalyst; Catalysis
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1. Introduction
Pyrolysis is an important process in energy recovery from biomass and also as a
previous stage to other processes such as gasification. For about 20 years there has
been considerable interest in liquid production by pyrolysis. Different technologies
* Corresponding author. Tel.: +34-976-761150; fax: +34-976-762142.
0165-2370/01/$ - see front matter © 2001 Elsevier Science B.V. All rights reserved.
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