SPECIFICATIONS FOR PYROLYSIS LIQUIDS

The commercialization of biomass-derived pyrolysis liquids for use in heat and power applications depends on succesfully providing a fuel of acceptable quality to an end user at a competitive price. One of the aims of this project was to derive specifications for biomass derived pyrolysis liquids, based on a consensus between equipment providers and the liquids producers. Five basic properties (homogeneity, water content, solids content, stability, flash point) for the liquids are used as the primary criteria for pyrolysis liquid evaluation. Specific values are proposed to ensure that pyrolysis liquids meet a minimum grade acceptable for use as a fuel oil in boilers. The aim is to ensure that a realistic set of specifications are determined to allow the introduction into existing fuel infrastructures and markets. A consensus on analytical methods should also be created. Finally, the standardization of pyrolysis liquid specifications should be carried out. This work has been initiated in 2003 as a CEN BT/WG 149 Alternative Fuels under the coordination of SIS, Sweden.

The aim was to collect information in the following areas:

- Existing standards for specifications, classification systems, test methods, etc.. for liquid and gaseous alternative fuels;
- Ongoing and planned work on these standards;
- Setting priorities for future work.

CEN was recommended to start working also on the pyrolysis oil standards as alterntative fuel for stationary applications.

At the plenary meeting of CEN/TC 19 June 2005 on standardization of liquid and gaseous alternative fuels the CEN/BT/WG 149 recommendations were included in the workplan.

Download: Norms and standards for pyrolysis liquids. End-user requirements and specifications [PDF 94 KB]

Link to: Analytical Methods

Link to: Standardization of pyrolysis liquid specifications