The Department of Chemical Engineering is evaluating a pyrolysis process for the conversion of wood into bio-oil or pyrolysis oil for use in wood treatment. Historically, wood has been treated with a mixture of copper, chromium, and arsenic. Due to its toxic characteristics, CCA has been banned from use in the U.S. As older wood is being taken out of service, new methods of preservation are being explored for the wood being put into service. The resulting bio-oil from this pyrolysis process has shown promise as a wood preservative.

Before full scale production can begin a Life Cycle Assessment (LCA) will be performed on the process. LCA is a cradle-to-grave analysis involving the feedstock and materials of construction as well as storage, transportation, and disposal issues. The results of the analysis will be used to determine the economic viability of the process, the energy “break even point,” and the carbon footprint of the process.