Co-pyrolysis characteristics of raw/torrefied corn stalk and oil shale

Abstract

Biomass torrefaction followed by co-pyrolysis with oil shale is of great potential in further upgrading of bio-oil. Therefore, a comparative analysis of oil shale co-pyrolysis with raw/torrefied corn stalk was carried out. During co-pyrolysis, oil shale played a key role in the significant promoting effect on oil yield, but only occurred after corn stalk torrefaction. The promotion on oil shale decomposition by raw corn stalk was reflected in the increment of long-chain aliphatic hydrocarbons content in oil, which also led to a larger proportion of heavy oil. While after torrefaction, short-chain aromatic hydrocarbons content in oil increased during co-pyrolysis, and thus led to larger light oil proportion. Considering the distribution of pyrolysis products, 50% was the best blending ratio of oil shale for both raw and torrefied corn stalk.