Pyrolysis experiments have been conducted on a sample of rapeseed to determine particularly the effects of pyrolysis temperature, heating rate, particle size and sweep gas flow rate on the pyrolysis product yields and their chemical compositions. The maximum oil yield of 73% was obtained at the final pyrolysis temperature of 550-600 degreesC, particle size range of +0.6-1.25 mm, and sweep gas flow rate of 100 cm(3)min(-1) (N-2) at flash pyrolysis conditions in tubular transport reactor. Chromatographic and spectroscopic studies on the pyrolytic oil showed that the oil obtained from rapeseed can be used as a renewable fuel and chemical feedstock. (C) 2003 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.