Liquefaction of wood by rapid hydropyrolysis

Abstract

Poplar wood, when heated rapidly (70‐90 s) in water to 350°C and quenched, yields oil in 55 per cent mass yield. Approximately 75 per cent of the wood carbon and hydrogen is retained in the oil. The oil contains 25 per cent oxygen (wood contains 45 per cent). Extended reaction significantly lowers yields which are the same in the presence of both nitrogen and hydrogen atomsopheres. Nickel carbonate addition lowers yields significantly. Experiments have been limited to wood particles less than 35 mesh (0.73 mm grid) but heat transfer studies are being extended to larger particles.