ABSTRACT
This study investigated the production of biochars, bio-oils and non-condensable gas from pinecones through pyrolysis. The effect of temperature on the yields of the three phases and their characterization was studied. Char yield varied from 39.7 to 29.5 % and gas yield increased from 22.1 to 33.9 % as temperature rose from 408 to 661 ºC. Bio-oil yield increased from 38.3% at 408 ºC to 39.9 % at 562 ºC and then decreased to 36.6 % at 661 ºC. The chars obtained had an ash content between 1.38 and 2.20 %, volatiles in the range of 3.90 to 22.99 %, fixed carbon from 75.23 to 94.72 % and a higher heating value (HHV) in the range of 28.81 to 31.63 MJ.kg-1. The gas phase was mainly composed of carbon dioxide (CO2), carbon monoxide (CO), methane (CH4) and hydrogen (H2).
