Description

The Biomass Pyrolysis Pilot Plant is designed for continuous thermal conversion of solid biomass. It enables researchers to study product yields under controlled operating conditions. Suitable feedstocks include biomass pellets, chips and granulates. Typical feedstock particle sizes are approximately 10–20 mm. The plant provides an adjustable biomass feed rate from 1 to 5 kg/h. A 50-litre stainless-steel hopper stores the feedstock before processing. Nitrogen blanketing maintains an inert atmosphere in the feeding and process sections. A mechanical vibrator assists the discharge of difficult-flowing biomass. A variable-speed Archimedes screw continuously meters biomass into the reactor. The main reactor is a rotating stainless-steel tube designed for continuous pyrolysis. Its dimensions are approximately 200 mm internal diameter and 2,000 mm length. Reactor rotation promotes solids mixing and transport through the heated tube. An adjustable inclination of 0–10° provides additional control over solids residence time. The reactor operates at atmospheric pressure and temperatures up to 750°C. Its design temperature and pressure are 800°C and 0.5 barg, respectively. Three independent electrical heating zones supply heat to the reactor. Each zone covers approximately 600 mm, providing a total heated length of 1.8 m. Independent PID control enables uniform heating or a controlled axial temperature profile. Access at both reactor ends facilitates inspection, cleaning and maintenance. Pyrolysis produces char, condensable vapours and non-condensable gases. Char is collected in a nitrogen-blanketed 40-litre vessel mounted on a weighing scale. A heated cyclone-shaped separator removes entrained char, ash and particles. Heat tracing limits premature condensation in the hot vapour transfer section. A temperature-controlled condenser selectively recovers high-boiling products. This fraction is collected in a nitrogen-blanketed 5-litre vessel on a weighing scale. The remaining vapours pass through an air-cooled exchanger and a gas–liquid separator. An automatic three-position sampling module collects samples of the condensed liquid. A 5-litre liquid vessel and dry gas meter support product recovery and yield measurement. PLC control and PC supervision provide operating adjustments, trends and historical data recording. Integrated safeguards include nitrogen inerting, temperature protection and emergency shutdown.