Effect of fractional condensation system coupled with an auger pyrolizer on bio-oil composition and properties

The effect of fractional condensation on the properties of pyrolytic oil is evaluated by assessing the number of condensation stages and temperatures used in the bio-oil recovery. By evaluating two and three condensation stages with a decreasing temperature profile, an increase in condensation efficiency of 35 % was observed when using three-condensation stages. The two fractions of bio-oil, obtained at 180 degrees C and 120 degrees C of condensing temperatures, exhibited a moisture content of 11.15 % and 23.11 % with a liquid yield of 26.1 %, 13.5 %, respectively. After a qualitative analysis, it is suggested that both oil phases could be strong candidates for their use as fuel for heating applications, or for the production of phenolic resins. Moreover, a quantitative analysis of acids and furans was performed on the third bio-oil fraction, mainly composed of water and acids. Interestingly, a majority content of butyric acid was detected, followed by acetic acid, isovaleric acid, formic acid, and propionic acid with concentrations of 93.6 g/L, 39.0 g/L, 32.0 g/L, 11.0 g/L and 9.1 g/L, respectively. Whereas furfural and HMF content quantified in the aqueous fraction reached 2.1 g/L and 1.5 g/L, respectively. Producing different acids present in this fraction appears feasible, which could have future advantages.