Abstract
The aim of this study was to produce hydrogen-rich gas from triglycerides via pyrolysis. The pyrolysis reaction yields charcoal, tarry liquid, and combustible gaseous products such as hydrogen, carbon monoxide, methane, and light hydrocarbons. The yields of hydrogen from the pyrolysis increase with increasing temperature. The pyrolysis experiments were performed at atmospheric pressure and a temperature range from 775 to 1,175 K, in a batch pyrolysis reactor. The highest yields of hydrogen and carbon monoxide (% dry and ash free basis) obtained from the pyrolysis of tallow were 31.7 and 29.8% by volume, respectively. The pyrolysis-based technology, in particular, because it has co-product opportunities, has the most favorable economics.