Influences of physical and chemical properties on wood pyrolysis

The pyrolysis characteristics of beech wood have been investigated at a bench scale. The experimental system establishes the conditions encountered by a thick (4cm diameter) particle suddenly exposed in a high temperature environment, simulated by a radiant furnace. Measurements are carried out of radial temperature profiles, weight loss and product yields and composition in order to investigate the influence of the initial moisture content. The influences of wood composition are also examined by comparing weight loss curves obtained under thermogravimetric conditions for beech, fir and redwood.