Georg Ripberger

Citation

Thesis Title
A Study of the Importance of Secondary Reactions in Char Formation and Pyrolysis

Read article at Massey Research Online:

Pyrolysis, the first step in combustion, is a thermochemical conversion process that takes place in an environment free of oxygen. It is of particular interest for the manufacture of biochar and biofuel, which are both products of pyrolysis and have the potential to mitigate climate change. Mr Ripberger used Thermogravimetric Analysis in combination with Pyrolysis-gas-chromatograph mass-spectrometry to investigate how secondary reactions affect the char yield and pyrolysis process. These reactions were identified to take place concurrently to primary reactions over the entire pyrolysis range, being responsible for the majority of the char formed by the principle mechanism of intimate contact between the pyrolysis products and the pyrolysing solid. Mr Ripberger's research highlights the importance of these reactions and provides the tools for understanding the underlying mechanisms.

Supervisors
Professor Jim Jones
Professor Tony Paterson