Wild reed of Suncheon Bay: Potential bio-energy source

Threat of global warming and imminent exhaustion of fossil fuels call for development of alternative carbon-neutral energy sources. Among others, bio-oil, which can be produced from various biomass, can be used not only as an alternative fuel but also as a feedstock for production of high-value chemicals. In this study, the potential of wild reed growing in Suncheon Bay Ecological Park area as a bio-energy source was evaluated. Fast pyrolysis of reed for bio-oil production was carried out using a lab-scale reactor system. The effects of pyrolysis conditions were investigated. The produced gas, liquid and solid products were analyzed. The effect of carrier gas flow rate was shown to be not significant. The most important parameter determining the product yields was shown to be the reaction temperature in this study. The bio-oil yield was highest (52%) at 520 degrees C. The bio-oil yield was higher and the char yield was lower for a larger sample particle size, possibly due to the enhanced heat transfer to individual particles for larger particles packed loosely. The bio-oil was shown to be comprised of acids, alcohols, ketones, aldehydes, phenolics, aliphatic hydrocarbons, and aromatics, with phenolics and aromatics accounting for considerable fractions. The fast pyrolysis of reed is expected to be useful for obtaining valuable chemicals. (C) 2011 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.