The effects of pyrolysis temperature and atmosphere on rapid pyrolysis of Buliangou subbitumibous coal were investigated in a transport bed reactor with a continuous feeding of 1.2 kg·h-1. Under N2

tar yield increased rapidly with raising temperature to a peak value of 10.3% (daf) at 600℃

and then decreased due to its secondary reactions. Correspondingly

char yield displayed a continued slowdown while gas yield and gas to tar ratio increased with increasing temperature. Higher temperature promoted the release and secondary reactions of volatiles. Part of solid and liquid products were converted into gas products

in which the yields of H2

CH4

C2H2

etc. increased. At 700℃

H2 could inhibit volatiles secondary reactions and happen to be free radical stabilizer and hydrogenation agent

well encouraging tar production

especially for light tar

and CH4 formation. Under CO atmosphere

both light tar and heavy tar yields increased slightly. CO2 and steam could enhance tar cracking

in particular for heavy tar

thus improving tar quality but causing the reduction of tar yield. CH4 enhanced the formation of heavy tar and brought about an increase in tar yield.