Fractional condensation of pyrolysis vapors: Fundamentals, equipment and potential for bio-oil valorization

Authors

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.21712/lajer.2025.v12.n3.p174-180

Keywords:

online separation, biomass, thermal decomposition, condensation temperature, machinery

Abstract

Fast pyrolysis is an established and efficient technology for converting biomass into liquid products, but the resulting bio-oil is a complex and reactive mixture, requiring additional refinement steps to make its use viable. Developing an effective technique is crucial for extracting valuable chemicals. Fractional condensation (FC) is a promising online separation method that acts directly on hot pyrolysis vapors, reducing energy consumption. This research reviews FC, evaluating its parameters and equipment. The process consists of a series of condensers with decreasing temperatures, which allow the separation of components based on their dew points. Temperature control is the most important parameter, dictating the selectivity and composition of the obtained fractions. The results demonstrate that FC is effective in obtaining more stable and usable fractions. It was possible to identify organic fractions with significantly reduced water content and high calorific value, in addition to the removal of carboxylic acids in the low-temperature stages, improving stability and mitigating corrosion. Phenol-rich fractions can also be obtained, reinforcing the potential of pyrolysis as a biorefinery platform. However, challenges remain, such as the need for precise temperature control and the impact of non-condensable gases (NCGs). Future research should focus on optimizing composition control, modeling the effects of NCGs, and maximizing the extraction of valuable chemicals on an industrial scale. These advances could solidify CF as a key step toward the efficient and sustainable use of bio-oil in energy and chemical applications.

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Author Biographies

  • Thiago Padovani Xavier, UFES

    PhD in Chemical Engineering from the Federal University of Uberlândia (UFU). Currently, he is an Associate Professor in the Department of Engineering and Technology at the Federal University of Espírito Santo (UFES), working in the areas of Chemical Engineering and Production Engineering. He is also a professor in the Postgraduate Program in Energy. His research focuses on process improvement, pyrolysis, heterogeneous catalysis, quality management, and energy efficiency. He holds additional certifications in process improvement, quality, and academic leadership. (Text provided by the author)

  • Taisa Shimosakai de Lira, UFES

    She holds a Bachelor's degree in Chemical Engineering from the Federal University of Uberlândia (2003), a Master's degree in Chemical Engineering from the Federal University of Uberlândia (2005), and a Doctorate in Chemical Engineering from the Federal University of Uberlândia (2009). She is an Adjunct Professor in the Department of Engineering and Technology and a Permanent Professor in the Postgraduate Program in Energy, both at the Federal University of Espírito Santo. She has experience in the field of Chemical Engineering, with an emphasis on Modeling, Simulation, and Optimization of Processes, working mainly with biomass pyrolysis. She is a Capixaba Researcher scholarship recipient (FAPES Call for Proposals No. 06/2021) in the Pq - Research Productivity category.

  • Daniela Luz Leite, UFES

    Formada em Engenharia Química, fui monitora de Química Orgânica e bolsista de Iniciação Científica na área de Química Orgânica. Além disso, sou Técnica em Eletrotécnica, Pós-graduada em Docência para Educação Profissional e Tecnológica, Pós-graduada em Aperfeiçoamento em Formação Docente para Educação a Distância, e possuo Formação Pedagógica em Matemática. Atualmente sou Mestranda em Energia já na etapa de defesa da dissertação. Possuo experiência no setor de Qualidade, realizando inspeções e auditorias internas de normas ISO. Possuo conhecimentos de Green Belt, Excel e Pacote Office.

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Published

11/29/2025

Issue

Vol. 12 No. 3 (2025)

Section

Eficiência Energética

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Copyright (c) 2025 Latin American Journal of Energy Research

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This work is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution-NonCommercial-NoDerivatives 4.0 International License.

O autor, no ato da submissão do artigo, transfere o direito autoral ao periódico.

How to Cite

Padovani Xavier, T., Shimosakai de Lira, T. and Luz Leite, D. (2025) “Fractional condensation of pyrolysis vapors: Fundamentals, equipment and potential for bio-oil valorization”, Latin American Journal of Energy Research, 12(3), pp. 174–180. doi:10.21712/lajer.2025.v12.n3.p174-180.

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