INFLUENCE OF CALCINATION AND REDUCTION CONDITIONS ON THE CATALYST PERFORMANCE IN THE PYROLYSIS PROCESS OF BIOMASS

The influence of several preparation parameters on the performance of a coprecipitated nickel alumina catalyst for use in the pyrolysis of l ignocellulosic residues has been studied. The variables considered wer e calcination temperature (750 and 850 degrees C), reduction time (1, 2, and 3 h), and hydrogen flow in the reduction step (1740 and 3080 cm (3) (STP)/min). The catalyst performance was evaluated on a bench scal e plant equipped with a continuous fluidized bed reactor using the Wat erloo fast pyrolysis process (WFPP) technology. The biomass used was p ine sawdust and the reaction temperature was 650 degrees C. The result s show that when the higher calcination temperature is applied, more s evere operating conditions on the reduction process must also be appli ed, but catalyst sintering can appear when very severe reduction condi tions are used.