Objective Objectives The proposed integrated approach has the following objectives: - Pyrolysis of various feedstocks, e.g. straw, arundo donax, hardwood (eucalyptus species) and softwood (pine species). - Evaluation of characteristics of qualified feedstocks (ultimate and proximate analysis and calorific value). - Optimization of flash pyrolysis and combustion processes to increase liquid yields and improve liquids quality. - Close-coupling of existing biomass conversion (CFB reactor), post treatment (product stream dedusting and pyrolysis vapour quenching) and upgrading (plasma reactor) processes - Derivation of scale-up rules for flash pyrolysis plants. - Setting-up of requirements for risk analysis of integrated advanced pyrolysis systems including detailed study on technoeconomics for either heat or power applications. - Proposals for the removal of barriers to introduce pyrolysis liquids to niche markets, e.g. refinery infrastructure. Technical Approach In the framework of previous R&D programmes, a novel reactor configuration, suitable for the maximisation of the liquid products derived from biomass flash pyrolysis has been constructed and tested. It is a Circulating Fluidised Bed (CFB) reactor, which is fuelled by partial combustion of the byproducts of the pyrolytic process. This is achieved by recirculation of the byproduct char to the lower portion of the CFB reactor, where it is combusted, providing the energy requirements to carry out the biomass devolatilization process. Results have shown total liquid yields of 55-60% wt, based on maf feedstock. However essential process modifications (e.g. hot gas filtration and liquid recovery based on direct quench of pyrolysis vapours)are required to improve quality and further increase liquid yields. Moreover, the liquid products have to be analyzed and upgrading techniques (such as hydrotreatment of zeolite cracking) thorougly investigated prior to applying the process at a larger scale. A scaleup procedure (for plants up to 1 tonne maf biomass/h) should furthermore be based on robust results derived by large-scale hydrodynamics study. Finally, market applications of the overall process require a detailed risk analysis as well as an assessment of the necessary procedures to accelerate pyrolysis products penetration in the existing infrastructure of liquid fuels and chemicals. Expected Achievements and Exploitation The output of the project include: - a breakthrough in pyrolysis liquid upgrading technology - derivation of scale-up rules to minimize risks associated to changing fluid dynamics in larger systems. - development of an integrated scheme for biomass conversion - technoeconomic assessment of the concept - exploitation of low-value resources (forestal and agricultural residues) by converting them to an easily handled, higher energy density product - exploration of the possibilities for further utilisation of pyrolysis products in niche markets Fields of science engineering and technologyenvironmental engineeringenergy and fuelsliquid fuelsnatural scienceschemical sciencesinorganic chemistryinorganic compoundsnatural sciencesphysical sciencesclassical mechanicsfluid mechanicsfluid dynamicsagricultural sciencesagricultural biotechnologybiomass Programme(s) FP4-NNE-JOULE C - Specific programme for research and technological development, including demonstration in the field of non-nuclear energy, 1994-1998 Topic(s) 0305 - Energy from biomass and waste Call for proposal Data not available Funding Scheme CSC - Cost-sharing contracts Coordinator AGRICULTURAL UNIVERSITY OF ATHENS EU contribution No data Address 75,Iera Odos 75 11855 ATHENS Greece See on map Total cost No data Participants (5) Sort alphabetically Sort by EU Contribution Expand all Collapse all CENTRE FOR RENEWABLE ENERGY SOURCES Greece EU contribution No data Address KM 19,Marathonos Avenue KM 19 19009 RAPHINA (PIKEERMI) See on map Total cost No data Commission of the European Communities Italy EU contribution No data Address Via Enrico Fermi 21020 Ispra See on map Total cost No data Hellenic Aspropyrgos Refinery SA Greece EU contribution No data Address KM 16TH,National Road Athens 19300 Aspropyrgos See on map Total cost No data Technische Universität Wien Austria EU contribution No data Address 9/159,Getreidemarkt 1060 Wien See on map Total cost No data UNIVERSITAET STUTTGART Germany EU contribution No data Address Pfaffenwaldring 47 70569 STUTTGART See on map Total cost No data
