Pyrolysis of grape bagasse: Effect of pyrolysis conditions on the product yields and characterization of the liquid product

In this study, pyrolysis of grape bagasse was investigated with the aim to study the product distribution and their chemical compositions and to identify optimum process conditions for maximizing the bio-oil yield. Particular investigated process variables were temperature (350-600 degrees C), heating rate (10-50 degrees C/min) and nitrogen gas flow rate (50-200 cm(3)/min). The maximum oil yield of 27.60% was obtained at the final pyrolysis temperature of 550 degrees C, sweeping gas flow rate of 100 cm(3)/min and heating rate of 50 degrees C/min in a fixed-bed reactor. The elemental analysis and heating value of the bio-oils were determined, and then the chemical composition of the bio-oil was investigated using chromatographic and spectroscopic techniques such as column chromatography, H-1 NMR and FTIR. The fuel properties of the bio-oil such as flash point, viscosity and density were also determined. The bio-oils obtained from grape bagasse were presented as an environmentally friendly feedstock candidate for bio-fuels. (C) 2010 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.