Biomass is a potential renewable source of energy. Thermochemical conv
ersion of biomass is one of the most common and convenient routes for
conversion into energy. Pyrolysis is the most important process in the
rmal conversion processes of biomass. In this study, pyrolysis of the
straw-stalk of rape plant within a tubular reactor under static atmosp
here at 650 degrees C pyrolysis temperature and at 30 degrees C min(-1
) heating rate, the various characteristics of pyrolytic oil acquired
under these conditions were identified. Pyrolytic oil is a carbon rich
, hydrocarbon mixture bearing oxygen at a considerable ratio and conta
ining ash, sulphur and nitrogen in very small quantities. The empirica
l formula of pyrolytic oil that has a heating value of 27.15. MJ/kg wa
s established as CH1.39 O-0.46. The results from the pyrolysis of stra
w-stalk of rape plants showed the potential of rape plant as an import
ant source of liquid hydrocarbon fuels. (C) 1998 Elsevier Science Ltd.
All rights reserved.