Combustion of Wood by Pyrolysis: A Review

Smoke is produced when wood or other organic matter burns in the presence or absence of air. The smoke from the burning of wood is composed of a mixture of gases and fine particles called particulate matter. The main gaseous pollutants in wood-smoke, such as carbon monoxide and nitrogen oxides, add to the atmospheric levels of these regulated gases coming from other combustion sources and thus have always been regulated alike with them. As the gases are indistinguishable no matter where they come from, there is urgent need to examine their particular health implications in wood-smoke. Pyrolysis is the thermo-chemical decomposition of biomass, either in total absence or limited supply of oxidizing agent that does not permit gasification. In other words, it allows the conversion of a biomass sample through the agency of thermal energy alone. Various researchers have worked on the usage of pyrolysis to determine the chemical constituent of wood-smoke and its effect on the Atmosphere as well as Human health. From their findings, It was discovered that wood burning occurs mostly in the absence of air or in the presence of insufficient air and this emits various harmful gases to the atmosphere, it also affects human health causing Lung disorders, Eye defects, Heart disorders, e.t.c. Sensitization of the effects of wood-smoke and an alternative to this type of fuel which is Biofuel should be undertaken as projects by various governments as well as International Communities