Pyrolysis is a decomposition reaction in chemistry where organic materials break down in the absence of oxygen. Carbonization is an industrial process where organic matter is converted into carbon.
What is Pyrolysis?
Pyrolysis is a type of decomposition reaction in which organic materials break down in the absence of oxygen. In this process, heat is applied for this reaction to progress. Therefore, we can easily increase the rate of reaction by increasing the amount of heat provided. Generally, pyrolysis takes place at or above 430oC. However, most of the time, we can perform these reactions in the near absence of oxygen because it is very difficult to obtain an atmosphere free of oxygen. The final product of this reaction is in the gas phase, liquid phase, or solid phase. Mostly, this process produces gases. If it produces a liquid, we call this liquid “tar”. If it is solid, it is typically charcoal or biochar.
Pyrolysis often converts organic matter into their gaseous components, a solid residue of carbon and ash, and a liquid called pyrolytic oil. We use two major methods to remove any contaminants from a substance: destruction and removal. The destruction process breaks down the contaminants into small compounds, while the removal process separates the contaminants from the desired substance.
This reaction is used in various industries to produce charcoal, activated carbon, methanol, etc. Moreover, it can destroy semi-volatile organic compounds, fuels, etc. In addition, we can use this process to treat organic waste coming out from factories.
What is Carbonization?
Carbonization is an industrial process where organic matter is converted into carbon. The organic matter we consider here includes plants and dead animal matter. The process occurs through destructive distillation. It is a pyrolytic reaction which is considered a complex process in which we can observe many chemical reactions occurring concurrently; for example, dehydrogenation, condensation, hydrogen transfer and isomerization.
The carbonization process is different from the coalification process because carbonization is a faster process due to its reaction rate being faster by many orders of magnitude. Generally, the amount of heat applied can control the degree of carbonization and the residual content of foreign elements. For instance, at 1200 K temperature, the carbon content of the residue is about 90% by weight, while at about 1600 K temperature, it is about 99% by weight.
Typically, carbonization is an exothermic reaction, and we can make it self-sustaining; we can use it as a source of energy that does not form any carbon dioxide gas trace. However, if the biomaterial is exposed to a sudden change in the heat, for example, in a nuclear explosion, the biomatter gets carbonized as soon as possible, and it turns into solid carbon.
Summarize–Pyrolysis vs Carbonization
Pyrolysis is a decomposition reaction in chemistry where organic materials break down in the absence of oxygen. Carbonization is an industrial process where organic matter is converted into carbon.
If you are also interested in the charcoal business or want to buy high-quality charcoal processing equipment, please contact us. We will customize suitable processing solutions and equipment for you according to your needs and investment budget.
Please click our website to know more.
Whatsapp/Tel/Wechat:+86 130 4371 8688
Email:lsales@reliableproducer.com
