FLASH PYROLYSIS OF KLASON LIGNIN IN A PYROPROBE-1000

Lignin flash pyrolysis was studied in a Pyroprobe 1000 at temperatures within the range 500-900 degrees C. The following products were identified: CO, CO2, water, CH4, C2H6, C2H4+C2H2, C-4 (hydrocarbons with four carbon atoms), methanol + formaldehyde, acetaldehyde and acetic acid. Samples of lignin were pyrolyzed at three different temperatures (600, 750 and 900 degrees C) and several pyrolysis times (between 1 and 15 s). The char and tar yields were obtained gravimetrically and by mass balance respectively. The evolution of these different chemicals at nominal temperature was studied. Correlation of volatile products was carried out using log-log plots. Volatile chemicals can be grouped taking into account a good linear correlation between them. A kinetic model taking into account both the heat transfer process (heating and cooling stages) and the chemical reaction is also discussed.