Mass and heat balance calculations and economic evaluation of an innovative biomass pyrolysis project

Abstract

Biomass can be converted into flammable gas, charcoal, wood vinegar, wood tar oil and noncombustible materials with thermo-chemical pyrolysis reactions. Many factors influence these processes, such as the properties of the raw materials, and temperature control and these will affect the products that are produced. Based on the data from a straw pyrolysis demonstration project, the mass and heat balance of the biomass pyrolysis process were analyzed. The statistical product and service solutions (SPSS) statistical method was used to analyze the data which were monitored on-site. A cost-benefit analysis was then used to study the viability of commercializing the project. The analysis included net present value, internal rate of return and investment payback period. These results showed that the straw pyrolysis project has little risk, and will produce remarkable economic benefits.

Key words： mass balance; heat balance; biomass pyrolysis; economic benefit

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