Thursday, November 12, 2009

Pyrolysis: An Innovative Process for Turning Waste Biomass into Renewable Energy

The University of Georgia Research Foundation recently licensed pyrolysis, an innovative process for turning waste biomass such as dead trees, agricultural waste and lumber byproducts into liquid fuel. Pyrolysis is a form of incineration that chemically decomposes organic materials by heat in the absence of oxygen. The vapors produced during pyrolysis are condensed into a bio-oil that is added to biodiesel or petroleum diesel. The fuel is then used to power conventional engines. Other pyrolysis byproducts are gas and bio-char, which can be used as a soil ammendment. 

This month, team members from the Center of Innovation for Agribusiness and the Center of Innovation for Energy traveled to Iowa to learn more about the pyrolysis process from University of Iowa researchers. Topics of discussion included biochar production, soil and biochar interactions and utilizing pyrolysis bio-oil for power production. Read more...

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