Chapter 9 - PYROLYSIS

Abstract

Publisher Summary This chapter discusses pyrolysis with respect to the influence of heating rates, final temperature, time at final temperature, and the presence of exchangeable cations on the yields and nature of the solid and volatile decomposition products in Victorian brown coals. Pyrolysis includes combustion, the production of carbon products, and conversion to liquid and gaseous fuels. The effects of cations on pyrolysis at rapid heating rates have been investigated using the fluidized bed and shock tube techniques. The investigations show that considerable progress has been made in understanding the details of the pyrolysis of brown coals and the factors that influence the thermal decomposition process and the nature of the residual chars and volatile products. It is evident, however, that many details remain to be learned about the pyrolytic process and how it can be manipulated to advantage to maximize the opportunities for utilizing the brown coal resources of Victoria.