EUBCE 2026 - Gabriel COSTA LON - Advancing Biomass Pyrolysis for Solar Thermal Integration: Performance of Bauxite and Olivine in Fluidized Bed Systems

Advancing Biomass Pyrolysis for Solar Thermal Integration: Performance of Bauxite and Olivine in Fluidized Bed Systems

Short Introductive summary

This study examines the pyrolysis of pine wood chips in a fluidized bed reactor using solid particle heat carriers (PHCs), specifically bauxite and olivine, within the PYSOLO project. The reactor design, featuring lateral biomass feeding and gravitational descent of preheated PHCs, simulates solar-assisted operation for future integration with concentrated solar power systems. Experiments were conducted at PHC temperatures of 500°C and 550°C and fluidization velocities of 3× and 5× the minimum fluidization velocity. Results show that increasing fluidization velocity decreases bio-oil yield while enhancing char formation, with minimal impact on gas production. Higher PHC temperatures reduce both bio-oil and gas yields, especially with olivine, which promotes char formation due to its catalytic activity. Bauxite, in contrast, acts mainly as an inert heat carrier. These findings demonstrate the influence of operational parameters and PHC properties on product distribution, supporting the development of pyrolysis systems with the integration of solar integration or efficient biomass valorization and decarbonization of thermochemical processes.

G. Costa Lon, Instituto de Carboquímica, Zaragoza, SPAIN
F. Viteri Moya, Instituto de Carboquímica, Zaragoza, SPAIN
A. Veses, Instituto de Carboquímica, Zaragoza, SPAIN
M. Callén, Instituto de Carboquímica, Zaragoza, SPAIN
J. López, Instituto de Carboquímica, Zaragoza, SPAIN
R. Murillo, Instituto de Carboquímica, Zaragoza, SPAIN
T. García, Instituto de Carboquímica, Zaragoza, SPAIN