UTILIZATION OF LIGNIN-RICH BIOMASS

The invention relates to a method for utilizing biomass, in which the biomass is pyrolyzed during a heat treatment process to obtain driven-out gas and remaining carbon-rich solids. It is an object of the invention to specify a method for utilizing biomass, which is based on comparatively expensive feedstocks, but in return gives products of value with unusually good properties, the proceeds of which make the process economically viable. This object is achieved firstly by using a biomass having a lignin content of 10 to 30% by weight and a water content of 5 to 25% by weight, and by virtue of a heat treatment process comprising three residence times each on a respective level of temperature, wherein the first residence time lasts between 10 and 40 minutes, particularly of 30 minutes at a temperature level between 130 and 280° C., particularly of 250° C.; the second residence time lasts between 5 and 30 minutes, particularly of 10 minutes at a temperature level between 300 and 500° C., particularly of 400° C.; the third residence time lasts between 10 and 60 minutes, particularly of 20 minutes at a temperature level between 650 and 900° C., preferred between 700 and 900° C., particularly of 750° C.