Is there phase separation of the pyrolysis oil and why does this occur?
At high water contents (>25 wt%) pyrolysis oil is sensitive to phase separation yielding a dark-colored aqueous phase, and a tarry organic phase. Phase separation depends heavily on the type of biomass feedstock and its moisture content. Therefore biomass tests are required for each type of feedstock that has not been tested by BTG-BTL before. There is no phase separation for woody material like pinewood. However, in case phase separation of pyrolysis oil occurs this is not a problem. Continuous stirring of the oil during storage will make the oil easily deployable without extra treatment. Or the oil can be treated after production, the water can be removed by evaporation.
