Initial product distributions from pyrolysis of normal and branched paraffins

This paper deals with a generalization of Rice's theory for the prediction of initial product distributions from pyrolysis of heavy paraffins. Primary decomposition products are calculated on the basis of a limited number of "fundamental" kinetic parameters directly deduced from general rules of thermochemical kinetics. The relative importance of decomposition and isomerization reactions of heavy radicals is investigated. Several comparisons between predicted and experimental results for a wide range of operating conditions are also reported.