Analysis of coals and biomass pyrolysis using the distributed activation energy model

The thermal decomposition of coals and biomass was studied using thermogravimetric analysis with the distributed activation energy model. The integral method resulted in Datong bituminous coal conversions of 3–73% at activation energies of 100–486 kJ/mol. The corresponding frequency factors were e19.5–e59.0 s−1. Jindongnan lean coal conversions were 8–52% at activation energies of 100–462 kJ/mol. Their corresponding frequency factors were e13.0–e55.8 s−1. The conversion of corn-stalk skins were 1–84% at activation energies of 62–169 kJ/mol with frequency factors of e10.8–e26.5 s−1. Datong bituminous coal, Jindongnan lean coal and corn-stalk skins had approximate Gaussian distribution functions with linear ln k0 to E relationships.