Optimization of process for the production of bio-oil from eucalyptus wood

The pyrolysis of eucalyptus wood was carried out in a batch reactor to optimize the yield of bio-oil. Effect of various parameters like feed (particle) size, temperature, presence of catalyst and heating rate on the yield of bio-oil was investigated. The optimum conditions for high yield of bio-oil are for the particle size 2mm~5mm (average l/d=12.84/2.03mm) at 450℃ in high heating rate. The reaction kinetics and the quality of bio-oil produced are independent of the presence of different catalysts like mordenite, kaoline clay, fly ash and silica alumina. The physical properties like odour, colour, PH, viscosity, heating value were determined. The FT-IR analysis of bio-oil indicates the presence of different functional groups such as monomeric alcohol, phenol, ketones, aldehydes, carboxylic acid, amines, and nitro compounds. The composition of the bio-oil at different conditions was analyzed using GC-MS and found that the components are temperature dependent but independent of catalysts used.