Short Description
Within the GreenCarbon Lab, GCL pyro 2k is used to carry out intermediate pyrolysis tests at the laboratory-scale. New feedstocks are tested and their specific conversion behavior is examined under different process conditions (temperature, residence time…), along with the quantity and quality of the products (biochar, bio-oils, pyrolysis gases). Equipment for feedstock, process and product analysis enables a detailed study of the conversion reactions and the characterization of the products obtained.
Key Technical data:
• Pyrolysis reactor: continuously operating rotary kiln
• Feedstock input: 1,5 - 2,5 kg/h
• Biochar output: 0,2 - 0,5 kg/h
• Heat supply: Electric
• Temperature range: 300 - 1000 °C
• Residence time: 10 - 60 minutes
• Test duration: max 8 hours
Contact Person
Manuel Schwabl
Research Services
• Testing the intermediate pyrolysis of selected feedstocks under controlled process conditions
• Mass and energy balances
• Detailed study of conversion reactions and products characterization (biochar, bio-oils, pyrolysis gases)
• Designing biochar properties by process innovation or additives testing
• Tests of different process parameters (residence time, temperature…) to find optimal values for scale-up of biochar production
• Production of biochar batches up to 10 - 15 kg. (For larger quantities, GCL pyro 90 is recommended)
Methods & Expertise for Research Infrastructure
Capacities: The feedstock input is approximately 2 kg/h and the expected biochar output is approximately 0,5 kg/h, with a conversion rate depending on the used feedstock as well as on the process conditions. The test duration can be between 1 and 8 hours. A full day of testing (8h) is expected to provide a biochar production of approximately 4 - 5 kg.
Operation conditions: By adjusting the inclination (0 - 10°) and rotation speed of the drum (1 - 10 revolutions per minute) residence times can be adapted between 10 and 60 minutes. Three electrical heating elements sustain the desired temperature in the reactor (between 300 and 1000 °C). The drum has a total length of 2.6 m and a heated length of 1.34 m, with an inner diameter of 0.25 m. A variable nitrogen flow (0-200 L/min) is provided through up to 4 different inlets, to ensure an oxygen-free atmosphere. The condensable parts of the pyrolysis gas are collected in a three-stage condensation system, maintaining temperatures up to 110 °C in the first stage, ambient temperature in the second stage and -20 °C in the third stage.
Analytics: Product analysis comprises biochar characterisation, as well as gas and condensate fraction analysis. While the gas composition can be analysed using an Agilent 8890 gas chromatography system, the liquid fractions can be characterised using a variety of parameters, including water content, elemental content, and physicochemical properties. Biochar analysis ranges from proximate and ultimate analysis to more sophisticated parameters such as BET surface area and ICP-OES analysis of trace elements. Feedstock characterisation can also be carried out at BEST GmbH's premises.
Evaluation: GCL pyro 2k tests provide a comprehensive evaluation of pyrolysis performance across a variety of feedstocks. Key outputs include quantification of product yields and assessment of product quality across solid (biochar), liquid (pyrolysis oil), and gaseous fractions. Detailed mass and energy balances are established to determine the distribution of energy and material flows among these phases. Process-specific insights are also gained, such as feedstock flow behavior, stickiness, and the propensity for condensate formation, including the associated risk of condensate carbonisation. Furthermore, the minimum residence time required for complete pyrolysis is identified, which supports process optimisation and improves reactor design.
References: Examples of feedstocks used for testing are walnut shells, coffee chaffs, compost screenings, rice straw, sunflower husks, bran starch, woodchips, wood pellets, ….