Pyrolysis. Pyrolysis is one of the technologies available to convert biomass to an intermediate liquid product that can be refined to hydrocarbon biofuels, oxygenate fuel additives, and petrochemical replacements. Biomass pyrolysis is usually conducted at a temperature of or above 500C (930F), with no oxygen present. Because of this lack of oxygen, combustion does not occur. Instead, the biomass thermally decomposes into combustible gases and biochar. The gas can be referred to as another form of syngas, or renewable natural gas (RNG). RNG is not without greenhouse gases, but if it is produced in a green manner, and used only in substitution for fossil fuels, it can be considered a carbon-neutral fuel. Also entering into the carbon-neutral equation, however, are emissions from gas pipelines, delivery vehicles, and a number of other carbon sources. Clearly, “green” is a relative term. “Review on Green Technology Pyrolysis for Plastic Waste”. www.researchgate.net Nov. 2020. “Pyrolysis as an Environmentally Friendly and Cost-effective Waste Tyres Treatment Technology”. www.tdplant.com . You might also have a look at the PNNL Facility, Richland WA. The company involved is InEnTec www.inentec.com The company operates a Plasma Enhanced Melter Technology (PEM) facility, developed by MIT and the USDOE National Labs. Also, see Sims Resource Renewal, in Australia. www.simsrr.com InEnTec states on its website that it “provides solutions to economically and responsibly turn the world’s waste into valuable green products, fuels, and energy.”
