Influence of the heating rate on the temperature profiles and on the conversion rate of powdery cellulose and pine sawdust

An experimental study of the thermal decomposition of powdered cellulose and pine sawdust has been performed. The influence of the heating rate on the temperature profiles in the sample and on the solid conversion rate has been studied. A mathematical model without adjustable parameters has been used to calculate the temperature at different points in the solid bed and the average total solid conversion. The experimental results have been compared with those calculated by the model. A good agreement has been obtained for sawdust. Some differences are observed for cellulose at high heating rates, and the influence of the thermal conductivity and the reaction heat on the results has been analysed.