Co-pyrolysis of biomass with technical glycerin
https://doi.org/10.21266/2079-4304.2026.257.427-443
Abstract
The forest industry complex in Russia plays a key role in the economy, but the efficient utilization of wood waste remains a pressing issue. Biomass, including forestry waste, is an important renewable resource for producing liquid, gaseous, and solid fuels. However, traditional biofuels have drawbacks, such as high viscosity, corrosive activity, and low stability. This study investigates the co-pyrolysis of wood with technical glycerin to enhance the process efficiency and improve the properties of the resulting fuel. Experiments were conducted using a bench-scale thermogravimetric analysis setup. The raw materials used were birch wood and sawdust impregnated with glycerin (20–40%). The pyrolysis process was carried out at temperatures up to 700°C. The resulting products (char, condensate, and gas) were analyzed for calorific value, sulfur content, moisture, and ash content. The chemical composition of glycerin and pyrolysis products was studied using gas chromatography and mass spectrometry (GC/MS). The addition of glycerin increased the yield of condensable products to 63.4% (compared to 28.7% without glycerin) and reduced the share of gases and losses to 17.45% (compared to 44.8%). The heavy fraction of the condensate demonstrated a high combustion heat (39,920 kJ/kg) and low sulfur content (0.02%), outperforming fuel oil, coal, and firewood. Co-pyrolysis of biomass with glycerin is a promising method for producing high-energy and environmentally friendly fuel. The results demonstrate the potential for industrial application of this technology, including use in thermal power plants and heating systems. Further research may focus on optimizing process parameters and scaling up the facilities.
About the Authors
M. Akulov
St.Petersburg State Forest Technical University
Russian Federation
Russian Federation
Akulov Mikhail – PHD student
194021. Institute per. 5. Let. U. St. Petersburg
A. A. Spitsyn
St.Petersburg State Forest Technical University
Russian Federation
Russian Federation
Spitsyn Andrey A. – PhD (Technical), Associate Professor, Department of Technology of Forest Chemical Products, Wood Chemistry and Biotechnology
194021. Institute per. 5. Let. U. St. Petersburg
V. A. Zhukov
St.Petersburg State Forest Technical University
Russian Federation
Russian Federation
Zhukov Vadim A. – master’s student
194021. Institute per. 5. Let. U. St. Petersburg
N. A. Molchanova
St.Petersburg State Forest Technical University
Russian Federation
Russian Federation
Molchanova Natalie A. – master’s student
194021. Institute per. 5. Let. U. St. Petersburg
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Review
For citations:
Akulov M., Spitsyn A.A., Zhukov V.A., Molchanova N.A. Co-pyrolysis of biomass with technical glycerin. Izvestia Sankt-Peterburgskoj lesotehniceskoj akademii. 2026;1(257):427-443. (In Russ.) https://doi.org/10.21266/2079-4304.2026.257.427-443
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