Pyrolysis

{
  "id": "MLC-T-ENV-022837",
  "term": "Pyrolysis",
  "field": "Environment",
  "definition": "1. Decomposition of a chemical by extreme heat.\n\n2. The transformation on a compound or material into one or more substances by heat alone (without oxidation). Often called destructive distillation. Pyrolysis of biomass is the thermal degradation of the material in the absence of reacting gases, and occurs prior to or simultaneously with gasification reactions in a gasifier. Pyrolysis products consist of gases, liquids, and char generally. The liquid fraction of pyrolisized biomass consists of an insoluble viscous tar, and pyroligneous acids (acetic acid, methanol, acetone, esters, aldehydes, and furfural). The distribution of pyrolysis products varies depending on the feedstock composition, heating rate, temperature, and pressure.\n\n3. Endothermic gasification of hospital waste and/or medical/infectious waste using external energy.[40 CFR 60.51c (CFR 2013)]",
  "subject": "General environmental",
  "references": [
    "Terms of Environment",
    "DOE Office of Energy Efficiency & Renewable Energy Glossary of Energy-Related Terms",
    "40 CFR 62.14490 (CFR 2018)"
  ],
  "url": "https://mlchart.com/terminology/environment/pyrolysis/"
}