Review of Modelling of Pyrolysis Processes with CFD-DEM

Abstract In a pyrolysis reactor, organic polymers from biomass or plastic waste are thermally decomposed into volatile gases, condensable vapours (tar bio-oil) and solid residues (char). Since these products may serve as building blocks for downstream chemical refinement form the basis of bio-derived fuels, is thought to be instrumental in our progress towards circular economy. A reactor constitutes multiphase reactive system whose operation influenced by many physical phenomena that occur at different scales. Because interactions potential reinforcements processes difficult isolate elucidate experimentally, development predictive modelling tool, example, based on CFD-DEM (discrete element method) methodology, attracting increasing attention, particularly reactors operated with feedstock. By contrast, descriptions remain challenge present, mainly due an incomplete understanding their melting behaviour. this article, we provide blueprint describing process within scope CFD-DEM, review choices made past investigations detail underlying assumptions. Furthermore, influence operating conditions feedstock properties key metrics process, such conversion, product composition residence time, determined analyses surveyed systematised. Open challenges identify pertain incorporation particle non-sphericity polydispersity, plastics, shrinkage, exothermicity part gas-particle chemistry catalytic effects.