Thermal degradation processes allow obtaining a number of
constituting molecules, combustible gases and/or energy, with
the reduction of landfilling as an added advantage (Mastral et al.,
2007). The pyrolysis process is an advanced conversion technology
that has the ability to produce a clean, high calorific value gas from
a wide variety of waste and biomass streams. The hydrocarbon
content of the waste is converted into a gas, which is suitable for
utilisation in either gas engines, with associated electricity generation,
or in boiler applications without the need for flue gas treatment.
This process is capable of treating many different solid
hydrocarbon based wastes whilst producing a clean fuel gas with
a high calorific value. This gas will typically have a calorific value
of 22–30 MJ/m3 depending on the waste material being processed.
The lower calorific value is associated with biomass waste,