AIR2-CT93-1086 Production, Treatment and Utilization of Bio-Oils from Pyrolysis, for Energy and Alternative Fuels and Chemicals

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AIR Cluster II - Bioenergy Conversion : Bulk Chemicals : Fine Chemicals : Liquid Biofuels and Biogas : Process Engineering : Separation/Fractionation : Thermochemical Conversion

	Proposal No:	AIR2-CT93-1086
	Date Prepared:	September 1999
	Source:	Final report April 1997

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Final report April 1997

Abstract

Biomass may be considered as an alternative energy resource. Wood wastes, especially those causing environmental disposal problems, can be thermochemically converted into gaseous and liquid fuels and chemicals. These bio-oils have two main advantages related to environmental considerations and sustainability. Bio-oils do not contribute to C0₂ emissions, their sulphur content is extremely low and due to their high water content and low heating value NO_x emissions should not be important. Sustainability is an important aspect that has only been taken into account relatively recently.

Pyrolysis is one of the processes used to convert biomass into liquid fuels, by thermochemical degradation. Fast pyrolysis seems to be the most promising technology for the production of fuel oil for combustion purposes. Nevertheless the bio-oil so obtained must be improved. Some basic characteristics have to be modified to enlarge and assure the potential markets for bio-oil.

The main objective of this project was to research and improve bio-oil obtained from biomass pyrolysis in order to produce a higher-quality oil with a higher added value. The work included searching for real and practical future markets. In order to fulfil these objectives the work has been distributed in tasks. These tasks have been carried out by the partners of the project over the three years of its duration.

The specific objectives of this project are:

• the improvement and optimisation of the Waterloo Flash Pyrolysis Process (WFPP) at the pilot plant level
• a search for practical and sound applications of the pyrolytic oil produced by this process through an investigation of its energetic and industrial uses

In order to accomplish the objectives indicated above, the project has been organised in the following tasks:

• optimisation of the pyrolysis pilot plant including the production of suitable quality pyrolysis oils, using various kinds of biomass will be used
• analysis, characterisation and comparison of oils produced within the project with other pyrolytic oils
• upgrading of the bio-oil will be upgraded, using treatments in order to improve its characteristics and to obtain other refined fuels
• testing of the bio-oil as a fuel in machines such as diesel engines and combustion chambers
• separation of the bio-oil in order to obtain various chemicals which have high added value and can be used as substitute for fuel additives

Results

The main results were expected to include further pilot plant optimisation, in accordance with new specifications, with the bio-oil produced and subjected to various physico-chemical analyses and chemical characterisation. This resulted in use of laboratory tests, phase separation, pretreatment of the organic phase and thermocatalysis for bio-oil upgrading. Thermal stability improvement included the use mild treatments and screening of homogeneous catalysis in a batch reactor as well as upgrading in a fluid catalytic cracking unit as well as catalytic alkylation of phenols of bio-oil. The basis for a techno economic assessment was established.

There were some deviations in relation to this planning. Parts of task 3 and Task 6 (economic analysis) were not completed. VEBA OEL decided that pyrolysis activities did not fit into its future strategy and hence this company stopped experimental work and hence, the thermocatalytic upgrading was not carried out.

Conclusions

During the project most of the activities were completed, most of the results were as expected and there are no great deviations from the literature consulted were observed. Nevertheless some results have been unexpected, while most of the activities are not yet mature enough to achieve a commercial scale and/or demonstrated economic benefits. The experience gained represent an important step forward in the Waterloo Flash Pyrolysis Process and thus in the production of bio-oil from biomass.