Olive residues (cuttings and kernels) rapid pyrolysis product yields and kinetics

A study of pyrolysis of olive residues (cuttings and kernels) at a temperat ure range from 300 to 600 degrees C, has been carried out. The experiments were performed in a captive sample reactor at atmospheric pressure under he lium. The yields of the derived gases, pyrolytic liquids and char were dete rmined in relation to pyrolysis temperature, at heating rates of about 200 degrees C/s. As the pyrolysis temperature was increased the percentage mass of char decr eased whilst gas and oil products increased. The oil products increased to a maximum Value of similar to 30 wt% of dry biomass at about 450-550 degree s C, The major gaseous products are CO and CO2. A simple first order kinetic model has been applied to the evolution of tot al losses and gases. Kinetic parameters have been estimated and compared wi th other reported similar data. (C) 2000 Elsevier Science Ltd. All rights r eserved.