Distillation system and method using microwave-assisted pyrolysis

A method of producing a hydrocarbon fuel from a soapstock, the method comprising:

• supplying a pyrolysis reactor that includes a microwave absorbent bed susceptible to microwave irradiation;
• applying microwave energy to the pyrolysis reactor, wherein the microwave absorbent bed converts the microwave energy to thermal energy;
• supplying the soapstock to the microwave absorbent bed;
• supplying pyrolysis vapor generated by pyrolysis of the soapstock to a catalyst bed, wherein the catalyst bed includes a catalyst, and the pyrolysis vapor passes through the catalyst bed to be reformed and/or modified;
• and
• condensing vapor exiting the catalyst bed sufficient to collect the hydrocarbon fuel,
• wherein the catalyst includes a silicon carbide composite.