This study concerns the various gaseous products released during the pyrolysis of palm oil wastes. For this a thermogravimetric analyzer, coupled with Fourier transform infrared analysis (TGA-FTIR), identified the gases produced when pyrolyzing palm oil wastes under different conditions. An FTIR spectrum was scanned in 5 s. The influence of temperature was investigated by repeated experiments at 250, 280, 300, 325, 355, 400, and 450 C. The kinetics of weight loss (evaluated by the TGA) and of the production of gases (determined by FTIR) at the selected temperatures were evaluated. The different profiles of gases produced at low (< 355 degrees C) and high temperatures (> 355 degrees C) suggest that different reaction pathways (or mechanisms) are involved. Simulations of thermodynamic equilibrium for the pyrolysis of palm oil wastes were performed for 200-1200 degrees C. As predicted, H-2, CO2, CH4, and CO are the dominant gaseous species from pyrolysis. This study provides clearer insight into the effects of temperature on the gases produced by pyrolyzing a biomass. (c) 2005 The Combustion Institute. Published by Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.