Influence of alcohol addition on properties of bio-oil produced from fast pyrolysis of eucalyptus bark in a free-fall reactor

Fast pyrolysis of eucalyptus bark was carried out in a free-fall pyrolysis unit at different temperatures ranging from 400 to 550 degrees C to produce bio-oil, char and gas. The bio-oil produced at optimum temperature was mixed with alcohols with an aim to improve its properties. The results showed that the maximum bio-oil yield of 64.65 wt% on dry biomass basis could be obtained at the pyrolysis temperature of 500 degrees C. The addition of a small proportion (2.5-10%) of alcohol into the bio-oil could improve its viscosity, stability and heating value. These effects were further enhanced when increasing the alcohol. (C) 2013 The Korean Society of Industrial and Engineering Chemistry. Published by Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.