| Abstract: | Two Canadian peats from Quebec were pyrolyzed using the Waterloo Fast Pyrolysis Process (WFPP) technology with the objective of maximizing liquid yields. A young sphagnum peat (Sogovex) gave maximum yields of organic-liquids (moisture free basis) of 45% to 47% in an optimum range of 450° to 550°C at atmospheric pressure. Char yields decreased from 35% to 26% and gas yields increased from 12% to 17% over this range. The character of the liquid product changed significantly over the optimum temperature range, with the ratio of water-soluble to water-insoluble components decreasing from 2.3 to 0.6, with an accompanying decrease in oxygen content. Pyrolysis tests using an old black peat (Premier) gave similar results, although with some what lower yields of organic liquids and higher char yields. Upgrading tests on the peat oil done under hydrodeoxygenation conditions in collaboration with Battelle PNWL resulted in a yield of about 33% of the liquid feed as a gasoline-like liquid. |
