Pyrolysis is a chemical process that involves the decomposition or transformation of organic compounds by heating them in the absence of oxygen. The word "pyrolysis" is derived from the Greek words "pyro" meaning fire and "lysis" meaning decomposition.
During pyrolysis, the organic material, such as biomass, plastic, or rubber, is subjected to high temperatures ranging from 300 to 1,000 degrees Celsius. In this high-temperature environment, the absence of oxygen prevents combustion and oxidation. As a result, the organic material is thermally degraded, breaking down into smaller molecules, gases, liquids, and solid char.
The process of pyrolysis has several distinct stages, including drying, devolatilization, gasification, and char formation. In the drying stage, any moisture present in the material is eliminated. Devolatilization is the primary stage of pyrolysis, where high heat triggers the release of volatile compounds, such as gases and liquids. Gasification occurs when these volatile compounds are transformed into a gaseous state, while solid char is the residue remaining after the volatile components have been driven off.
Pyrolysis has numerous applications and benefits. It is commonly used in the production of biofuels, as it can convert biomass into valuable renewable energy sources like bio-oil, biochar, and syngas. Additionally, pyrolysis can be used to reduce waste and minimize landfill space by converting plastic or rubber waste into useful products or fuel. Furthermore, the process of pyrolysis is known to have lower emissions compared to traditional combustion methods, making it an environmentally friendly alternative.
