The performance of original equipment provided with a conical spouted bed reactor has been studied in flash pyrolysis of sawdust with an inert gas (N-2) in the 350-700 degrees C range and with 50 ms of average gas residence time. The effect of pyrolysis temperature on the yields of gas, liquid, and char on gas and liquid composition and on char properties has been studied. The maximum yield of liquid (corresponding to 70 wt %) is obtained at 450 degrees C and its composition determined by GC/MS is similar to that reported in the literature for bubbling fluidized beds. Although temperatures above 600 degrees C are required for the development of the char porous structure, the yield of CO2 obtained under these conditions is unacceptable.