Grant: Applied Research and Development Grants - Level 3

This R & D project aims at adapting an existing pilot pyrolysis process (250 kg/h) for the decontamination ofreconstituted wood wastes (particleboard, plywood, OSB, laminated wood, etc.) and upgrade them, whilstcomplying with regulatory standards for reducing greenhouse gas emissions and air pollutants. In these wastes,wood generally contains nitrogen-rich thermosetting resins (aminoplast resins) and other various chemicaladditives. The first stage of this project is to adapt the ""CarbonFX"" fast pyrolysis technology to optimize theremoval of wood waste contaminants. The technological adaptation will mainly focus on the combustionchamber to favour an optimal combustion of the pyrolysis gases and integrate a new aftertreatment device tocapture the residual gas pollutants. The second stage of the project is to provide the CarbonFX pilot unit with anovel activation module of biochar. The benefits of this module are twofold: i) it will be a further treatment forfull recovery of all types of residual contaminants; and (ii) it will enable the transformation of biochar intoactivated carbon with high industrial potential. The project will also promote the recycling of carbon dioxide(CO2) from pyrolysis and activation systems and water vapor for use as activators. The energy self-sufficiencyof the system and the zero or negative cost of the wood waste will favour both economic viability andenvironmental performance of the proposed integrated process.