Calculations for bio-fuel distilleries
The demand for fuels is increasing daily while geological crude oil deposits approach their inevitable depletion. On the other hand, a large amount of organic materials such as wood and agricultural residues are wasted after their "useful" elements have been consumed. The conversion of these organic elements (biomass) into high quality fuels in high yield via industrially applicable processes is critical for the world economy. In the last few decades extensive research has been performed in this field. Laboratory research has yielded some acceptable means of producing fuels from biomass. In the most common of these approaches biomass is treated thermochemically where organic matters are distilled in the absence of oxygen in order to break them down into more elemental components, finally leading to a variety of energy rich products. A Scandinavian research team aiming to improve this process, developed and utilised mathematical models. These models describe the reaction system that takes place during the aqueous, closed pyrolysis process for the conversion of biomass into fuels. The reaction is described in terms of kinetic, thermodynamic, energy and mass balances. The models were based on thermodynamic properties of simple compounds that represent critical molecular types for the process. The final goal of these mathematical models was to identify the critical factors of the process such as temperature, pressure and water-to-carbon ratio. The project's results are generic and can be used for the identification of the significant factors of other similar procedures. By adjusting these factors in optimal conditions, maximum production of conventionally handled and easily portable liquid fuels can be achieved.
