Conversion of Biomass to Energy-Rich Gas by Catalyzed Pyrolysis in a Sealed Pressure Reactor

The purpose of this work is to present a technologically feasible method for processing different types of biomass into energy-rich gas with a methane content higher than 60 vol.% or a hydrogen content higher than 65 vol.%. Selected biomass samples with different compositions were tested. Samples with an operational particle size were pyrolyzed under well-defined conditions in a sealed pressure reactor, and the influence of process parameters on the gas yield and composition was evaluated. Different metal catalysts were used. It was found that, depending on the catalyst used, slow catalyzed pressure pyrolysis at a final temperature of 400 °C yields a methane-rich gas with up to 70 vol.% CH4 or a hydrogen-rich gas with up to 75 vol.% H2. In addition, by-products (oil and biochar) were analyzed and their uses described. In conclusion, under energy-saving conditions, pressure-catalyzed pyrolysis of biomass provides energy-rich gas and other usable products.