A simplified one-dimensional transient model for biomass pyrolysis in a fixed bed cylindrical reactor has been formulated and experiments have been carried out to verify the calculation results regarding temperature distribution. The mathematical model accounts for mass, momentum and heat transfer, including moisture evaporation and convection of pyrolysis gases. Numerical simulation has allowed to predict temperature and heat flux distribution, and the dynamics of feedstock devolatilization. Special attention has been devoted to the analysis of the effect of biomass moisture content on the pyrolysis process. The model of moisture vaporization in biomass bed was proposed, which included structure of surface of biomass particles. Assuming that vaporization occurs on the border of the dry and wet areas of the bed, the flux of water vaporization depends on the specific surface area of the particles and overall heat flux. A simplified one-dimensional transient model for biomass pyrolysis in a fixed bed cylindrical reactor has been carried out to verify the calculation results regarding temperature distribution. The mathematical model accounts for mass, momentum and heat transfer, including moisture evaporation and convection of pyrolysis gases. Numerical simulation has allowed to predict temperature and heat flux distribution, and the dynamics of feedstock devolatilization. Special attention has been devoted to the analysis of the effect of biomass moisture content on the pyrolysis process. The model of moisture vaporization in biomass bed was proposed, which includes structure of surface of biomass particles. which includes structure of surface of biomass particles.