Fuel properties of pyrolytic oil of the straw and stalk of rape plant

Biomass is a potential renewable source of energy. Thermochemical conversion of biomass is one of the most common and convenient routes for conversion into energy. Pyrolysis is the most important process in thermal conversion processes of biomass. In this study, pyrolysis of the straw-stalk of rape plant within a tubular reactor under static atmosphere at 650 degrees C pyrolysis temperature and at 30 degrees C min(-1) heating rate, the various characteristics of pyrolytic oil acquired under these conditions were identified. Pyrolytic oil is a carbon rich, hydrocarbon mixture bearing oxygen at a considerable ratio and containing ash, sulphur and nitrogen in very small quantities. The empirical formula of pyrolytic oil that has a heating value of 27.15. MJ/kg was established as CH1.39 O-0.46. The results from the pyrolysis of straw-stalk of rape plants showed the potential of rape plant as an important source of liquid hydrocarbon fuels. (C) 1998 Elsevier Science Ltd. All rights reserved.