I'd like to open a discussion on the correlation between particle size and the performance of pyrolysis. What are your insights regarding the influence of particle size on the efficiency and outcomes of pyrolysis processes?
Mohazzam Saeed Consider the burning of a fuel in an engine. The rate of burning is controlled by access of oxygen to to surface of the petroleum. Smaller particles/droplets increase the burning in relation to their surface area. Generally as the size decreases the reactivity increases by a squared factor as surface is proportional to 1/d2.
Alan F Rawle Thank you for your answer,
Could you elaborate (particularly for pyrolysis) on the concept of reactivity , increasing by a squared factor as the particle size decreases? How is this relationship determined or measured?
Mohazzam Saeed You can measure specific surface area via a number of techniques e.g. BET, porosimetry. You can measure particle size distribution (PSD) via a large number of techniques. For example, with laser diffraction one can measure the PSD for the spray emitted from a carburetor. Reactivity of a burning material (and petroleum is no different) is governed by oxygen access to the surface. The 1/d2 relationship is basic and discussed in any standard particle size textbook. Take a look at these webinars (free registration required). References to basic texts are provided within these:
Particle Size Masterclass: Why Measure Particle Size?
https://www.malvernpanalytical.com/en/learn/events-and-training/webinars/W181002PSMasterclass.html
How to measure particle size distribution
https://www.malvernpanalytical.com/en/learn/events-and-training/webinars/W181023HowisPSmeasured.html
Basic Principles of Particle Size Analysis
https://www.malvernpanalytical.com/en/learn/events-and-training/webinars/W170216BasicsParticleSize
Good luck with your research.
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