Pyrolysis of rapeseed in a free fall reactor for production of bio-oil

Pyrolysis experiments of rapeseed (Brassica napus L.) were performed in a free fall reactor at atmospheric pressure under nitrogen atmosphere. The effects of final pyrolysis temperature, particle size and sweep gas flow rate on the yields of products were investigated. The temperature of pyrolysis, particle size and sweep gas flow rate were varied in the ranges of 400-700 degrees C, -0.224 to 1.8 mm and 50-400 cm(3) min(-1), respectively. The elemental analysis and calorific value of the bio-oil were determined, and compared with diesel fuel and then the chemical composition of the bio-oil was investigated using chromatographic and spectroscopic techniques (H-1 NMR, IR, column chromatography and GUMS). The chemical characterization has shown that the bio-oil obtained from rapeseed could be use as diesel fuel and chemical feeedstock. (c) 2006 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.