Presence of metals in biomass residues after pyrolysis

Abstract. In contribution to research into renewable energy, pyrolysis tests are run to develop the process of pyrolysis of biomass allowing the production of Hydrogen. Various families of combustibles (oleaginous, ligno-cellulosics, and seeds) have been tested at different temperatures. The pyrolysis of biomass is hampered by technical problems such as the blockage of the furnace by tars. The residues are collected and treated in a solution of chloric and nitric acid, so that the mineral part is extracted and then analysed by ICP. The first results indicate the presence ofmetals: Ni, Mg, Zn, Mn, Fe... Various proposais for the use of these residues so as to avoid pollution due to their accumulation have been put forward. These ashes can be recombined with fuels, acting as catalysts to reduce the formation of tar and increase the production ofhydrogen. I