Driven by the "dual carbon" goal, the high-value conversion of biomass resources has become an important research direction in the energy and chemical industry. Whether it is the production of high-quality bio-oil from biomass pyrolysis or the catalytic reforming and upgrading of pyrolysis volatiles, the fixed-bed reactor is one of the most crucial pieces of equipment. However, many research groups encounter numerous difficulties in practical operation.
• Slow heating: Traditional heating methods cannot reach extremely high heating rates, missing the true kinetic window.
• Difficult integration: Existing fixed-bed devices are difficult to integrate with light source introduction.
• Low efficiency: Single channel, single sample; catalyst screening and operating condition optimization are time-consuming.
• Disjointed pyrolysis and upgrading processes, making it difficult to conduct parameter matching studies for series operation.
These pain points are precisely the design starting point for the PLR RVTF-PH biomass pyrolysis upgrading device.
PLR The RVTF-PH biomass pyrolysis upgrading device is a multifunctional experimental platform integrating a gas distribution system, preheating system, light source and reaction system (photothermal reaction/thermal reaction/biomass pyrolysis), condensation and separation gas system, and back pressure control system. It is centrally controlled via PLC programming and a high-definition touchscreen. The core processes of this device cover key aspects of biomass pyrolysis upgrading research—from rapid pyrolysis of biomass feedstock to catalytic reforming and upgrading of pyrolysis volatiles, and finally to product condensation and separation, all within a single platform. Applicable scenarios include gas-solid phase continuous flow fixed-bed photo/thermal reactions, and biomass pyrolysis upgrading and related fixed-bed catalytic reactions.
1. Three Major Reaction System Modules
PLR The RVTF-PH biomass pyrolysis and upgrading device consists of three main reaction system modules: a photothermal system, a thermal reforming system, and a biomass dry distillation system. The possible process routes include: **Independent Photothermal System:** Reactants enter the photothermal chamber for photothermal reaction; **Independent Biomass Dry Distillation System:** Reactants enter the dry distillation pyrolysis system, where a sliding rail heating module achieves rapid sample heating and pyrolysis; **Biomass Dry Distillation System-Thermal Reforming System in Series:** Pyrolysis products then enter the reforming module. Each module can be selected according to the corresponding process route based on research needs.
2. Sliding Rail Heating Module
The device is equipped with a sliding rail dry distillation furnace, which enables rapid heating and decomposition of biomass. Researchers can truly conduct rapid pyrolysis kinetic studies—rapidly pushing samples into the predetermined temperature zone, shortening the transition time during heating, thereby obtaining more realistic kinetic parameters and product distribution data.
For rapid biomass pyrolysis research, the heating rate directly determines the volatile matter release behavior and product selectivity. The sliding rail design makes this key variable controllable and repeatable.
3. Dual Sample Zone
The dual sample zone allows for the sequential completion of experiments on two sets of materials under the same temperature and atmosphere conditions after a single loading. For catalyst screening and condition control experiments, this design reduces the need for intermediate disassembly and reheating.
4. Three Independent Temperature Zones + Cascade Operation The device integrates three independent temperature zones: **Dry Distillation Chamber (180~900℃):** A sliding rail-type rapid pyrolysis zone equipped with a quartz boat (20 mL × 2, volume can be customized); **Photothermal Chamber (180~800℃):** Used for photothermal catalytic reactions; **Reforming Chamber (180~800℃):** Used for catalytic reforming and upgrading of pyrolysis volatiles. Each of the three zones can be programmed with 16 temperature increments. You can complete the entire process of "rapid pyrolysis → thermal reforming → product condensation and separation" in one unit, achieving systematic matching of pyrolysis-reforming upgrading process conditions.
5. PLC + Touch Screen Control
The entire system is controlled by PLC programming and equipped with a high-definition touch screen. The reaction system supports multi-segment temperature rise and is easy to operate. WiFi connection is supported by default, enabling remote program maintenance and upgrades.
Different research directions have drastically different requirements for reaction conditions. The PLR RVTF-PH biomass pyrolysis and upgrading device can meet the following needs:
1) If you are researching high-pressure photothermal catalysis
• Operating temperature: 180 ~ 800℃, temperature control stability ±1℃
• Catalyst loading: 0.2 ~ 0.8 mL (1~5 mm bed height)
• Reactor: High-pressure photothermal reactor, high-pressure thermal reactor
2) If you are researching rapid biomass pyrolysis
• Distillation chamber operating temperature: 180 ~ 900℃ (externally controlled temperature), temperature stability ±1℃ Operating pressure: Atmospheric pressure ~ 0.1 MPa Sample container: Quartz boat 20 mL × 2 (Quartz boat volume can be customized according to requirements) Heating method: Sliding rail type dry distillation furnace 3) If you are researching pyrolysis-reforming tandem upgrading Pyrolysis fast-reforming reaction catalyst loading: 0.5 ~ 1 mL (10~20 mm bed height) Reaction mode: Photothermal catalysis, thermocatalysis, rapid biomass pyrolysis The system supports: **Rapid pyrolysis → Reforming and upgrading cascade operation** **4) If you are concerned about gas distribution and feed accuracy** **4-channel gas:** N₂ (200 mL/min), N₂ (100 mL/min), H₂ (100 mL/min), CO₂ (100 mL/min), control range 4%~100% F.S, accuracy 1% F.S **1-channel liquid:** Water, 0.001~1.999 mL/min (other solvents can also be discussed for specific requirements) **Preheating temperature:** 300℃ (default, maximum 400℃) Heating temperature: 120℃ (default, maximum 180℃) 5) If you are concerned about product collection and device compatibility Separation tank volume: 100 mL, single tank liquid storage ≤ 60 mL Device dimensions: 1350 × 600 × 2000 mm Power supply: 220 VAC / 32 A, power ≤ 6.5 kW (including light source) Interface: Metric 3 mm ferrule interface
PLR RVTF-PH biomass pyrolysis upgrading device integrates pyrolysis and reforming upgrading processes into a single device, while improving the comparability of control experiments through a dual-sample zone design. For research groups conducting biomass catalytic conversion research, this means simplified experimental procedures and more rigorous condition controls.
If your research involves biomass pyrolysis upgrading, photothermal catalysis, fixed-bed evaluation, etc., please contact the Pofilai technical team (400-1161-365) to discuss customized solutions for your specific processes.
Beijing Pofilai Technology Co., Ltd. (Beijing Founded in 2006, Perfectlight focuses on intelligent, high-precision, and high-performance equipment and overall solutions, integrating R&D, production, sales, and service. The company is a national high-tech enterprise, a Zhongguancun high-tech enterprise, and one of the first batch of "Specialized, Refined, and Innovative" enterprises in Beijing. It has passed ISO 9001/14001/45001 management system certifications, and its after-sales service meets the GB/T 27922-2011 five-star standard. Its product matrix covers more than ten series, including light sources, optical/photoelectric/photothermal/thermocatalytic devices, characterization and testing systems, R&D equipment, and photosynthesis equipment, serving fields such as new energy, drug synthesis, fine chemicals, and new materials, supporting the entire application chain from basic research and pilot-scale testing to industrial scale-up. The company's products are used in over 3000 laboratories and exported to nearly 50 countries overseas, supporting clients in publishing over 9000 SCI papers. The company has led/participated in the formulation of multiple national and industry standards, undertaken key national R&D programs, and possesses numerous core intellectual property rights and "Beijing New Technology and New Product" certifications. It has already assisted several enterprise users in building ton-level and hundred-ton-level photochemical production lines.
