*E-mail: dr.sowmi100782@gmail.com
In this study, flash pyrolysis of wood bark of neem tree (Azadirachta indica) was examined with an aim to analyze the effect of process parameters on pyrolysis yield, physical and chemical characteristics of bio-oil produced to determine its viability as a commercial fuel as well as chemical feedstock. Flash pyrolysis of wood bark was done in a laboratory scale fluidized bed reactor at a temperature ranges from 350 to 550°C, different particle sizes from 0.71 to 1.25 mm with a sweep gas flow rate of 1.25 to 2.25 m3/hr. The maximum yield of pyrolysis bio-oil of 49.5wt% was obtained under the pyrolysis temperature of 450°C, 1.0 mm particle size and at the sweep gas flow rate2 m3/hr. The FT-IR and GC-MS analysis of the bio-oil indicates that it mostly consists of phenolic and oxygenated compounds with alkanes, alkenes, ketones and carboxylic acids. Chromatographic studies on the bio-oil confirmed that the oil derived from neem wood bark can be used as a renewable fuel having calorific value of 22.7 MJ/kg and its elements can be used as valuable feedstock for chemical industries.
Wood bark, Azadirachta indica, Pyrolysis, Fluidized bed, Bio-oil, Characterization
