Pyrolysis of forestry biomass by-products in Greece

This article summarizes the technical characteristics of a biomass pyrolysi s pilot plant recently constructed in central Greece. It highlights the con siderations involved in achieving successful pyrolysis technology and envir onmental and developmental goals, by reviewing technical and nontechnical b arriers associated with biomass treatment technology in Greece. Data from t he start-up phase of the plant operation are presented and some aspects of the process are outlined. The capacity of the plant is 1200-1450 kg / hr, b ased on wet biomass (Arbutus Unedo) and the pyrolysis temperature is approx imately 400 degrees C. Char yield is 14-18% weight on dry basis and is of g ood quality consisting of 76% C with heat content 6760 kcal / kg. Bio-oil i ncludes 63% C and its heat content is 6250 kcal / kg.