The pyrolysis process consists of the thermal degradation of biomass feedstock, in the absence of oxygen/air, leading to the formation of solid (charcoal), liquid (tar and other organics) and gaseous products (methane, ethane, carbon monoxide, etc). Pyrolysis can be used as an independent process for the production of useful energy (fuels) and/or chemicals. It also occurs as the first step in gasification or combustion process. An understanding of the chemical processes and transport mechanisms of biomass pyrolysis is important for many applications including optimization of boilers and large scale furnaces, estimating the dominant design variable in pyrolysis reactor and gasifier. This book focuses on modeling and simulation studies of pyrolysis of biomass particles. Dominant design variables are identified for pyrolysis process through sensitivity analysis. The models on pyrolysis of biomass are corrected, updated, and also new models are proposed by incorporating the shrinkage effect. The results are very useful for the design of pyrolysis reactor and gasifier. This book is suitable for students in all engineering discipline. It will also be helpful to research scientist.

Biomass gasification is a developing technology that can be used to achieve an increased use of biomass by generating a syngas rich in H2 and CO. However, biomass gasification still holds many research and development challenges. One of the main operational problems is tar production, which is also an environmental one. This book focuses on homogeneous and heterogeneous tar cracking studies of a newly formed wood pyrolysis tar with reaction conditions similar to gasification and combustion. Operating conditions have been identified by sensitivity analysis to reduce the tar to maximum possible extent. The results are very useful for the design of robust tar cracking gasifier. This book is suitable for students in all engineering discipline. It will also be helpful to research scientists and practising engineers.