The Biomass Pyrolysis Operator’s Tar Troubleshooting Matrix

Building on our last post about the three root causes of tar, this week we’re diving into the “how-to.” Tar isn’t a single problem; it’s a symptom. The real challenge is finding its source.

So today I thought I would share a tar troubleshooting guide aimed at the operator, that moves from initial data analysis to in-depth chemical diagnostics. It’s a systematic approach to help you diagnose and solve tar-related issues helping to reduce headaches.

I’ve converted this entire guide into a downloadable spreadsheet that you can use to diagnose your own reactor.

Please use this as a starting point and a generic guide. It’s designed to be a living document that can be improved over time to better suit our specific reactor, feedstock, and operational conditions.