Periodic Reporting for period 1 - SEAFARER (Lignocellulosic oil: novel biofuel platform for maritime transportation)
Reporting period: 2022-11-01 to 2023-10-31
SEAFARER has the objective to further mature, demonstrate, and bring to market the next-generation bio (fuel) oil process allowing oil refineries to retrofit for 100% climate-neutral operations. Our patented technology is the first process for high-efficient sustainable biomass conversion using lignocellulose and even pure lignin as feedstock – the most abundantly available & non-edible waste biomass on Earth, yet currently to 98% unexploited. Our process is simple (one- step reaction; no catalysts), 80% energy-efficient and cheaper than competition. Our technology is thus highly scalable, able to produce lignocellulosic biofuel oil (L-BFO) that is fully miscible with all current liquid fuels – a unique feature, especially for the maritime sector, where engines found aboard large ships are adapted to more crude fuels (i.e. no refinement step needed for using our L-BFO) and where replacing (heavy & costly) engines is not an option.
Multiple objectives of SEAFARER involving the specific objectives are (1) continuous market monitoring, update Kvasir system price and fuel production cost structure, supply chain consolidation. (2) Regulative and legislative updates for smooth market entry; (3) Engage with local and global stakeholders, (4) Perform techno-economic modelling of commercial Kvasir units, including sustainability performance and impact assessment. Piloting optimization and testing conducted through: (1) Optimisation of TRL6 system for scalable industrial prototyping, including improved system control and automation, and (2) extended TRL7 prototype system runs to document steady state operation, integrity, production costs and to verify yield and qualify L-BFO under real industry-scale conditions at TRL8. Oil verification and fuel testing comprises the 2nd half of the project.
Multiple objectives of SEAFARER involving the specific objectives are (1) continuous market monitoring, update Kvasir system price and fuel production cost structure, supply chain consolidation. (2) Regulative and legislative updates for smooth market entry; (3) Engage with local and global stakeholders, (4) Perform techno-economic modelling of commercial Kvasir units, including sustainability performance and impact assessment. Piloting optimization and testing conducted through: (1) Optimisation of TRL6 system for scalable industrial prototyping, including improved system control and automation, and (2) extended TRL7 prototype system runs to document steady state operation, integrity, production costs and to verify yield and qualify L-BFO under real industry-scale conditions at TRL8. Oil verification and fuel testing comprises the 2nd half of the project.
Piloting optimization and testing conducted. The target biomass feedstock comprises non-edible plant material, lignocellulose, such as a cereal crop residue and other REDII annex 9a list compliant feedstocks. Biomass feedstock, with its fibrous nature, tends to adhere to itself, entangle, and bridge across openings, which makes it difficult to feed and pump. Pump test/studies were specifically performed. Various reactor setups have been tested in smaller pilot setups and validated based on yields and operability. The most promising configuration (orientation, residence time, material etc.) has been chosen and will be used in the SEAFARER demonstration unit. Extensive work is being conducted on most efficient and effective downstream separation processes for commercial production.
Continuous solvent recycle experiments have been performed with promising results at smaller pilot units. The SEAFARER demonstration plant is being built flexible enabling optimization exercises regarding important parameters such as pressure, temperature, residence time, heating etc. Multiple designs have been proposed and the most feasible have been chosen for the SEAFARER design.
Continuous solvent recycle experiments have been performed with promising results at smaller pilot units. The SEAFARER demonstration plant is being built flexible enabling optimization exercises regarding important parameters such as pressure, temperature, residence time, heating etc. Multiple designs have been proposed and the most feasible have been chosen for the SEAFARER design.
Recycling performance, robustness and MB closure of more several hundred hours of steady state continuous operation has been achieved with recycled product and high biomass loading without indication of fouling or plugging.
Reduction in oxygen content in the oil product has been achieved to levels lower than 15% without requirement for postprocessing and hydrogenation. This goes beyond state of the art together with the very high conversion efficiency (biomass to oil) resulting in single digit weight percent solid yields (biochar). Low total acid number and corrosivity of Kvasir´s oil together with shelf stability are key parameters distinguishing the product from competition and after multiple hours of state operation confidence in retaining these important product quality parameters has been increased as we are scaling the technology through demonstration.
Reduction in oxygen content in the oil product has been achieved to levels lower than 15% without requirement for postprocessing and hydrogenation. This goes beyond state of the art together with the very high conversion efficiency (biomass to oil) resulting in single digit weight percent solid yields (biochar). Low total acid number and corrosivity of Kvasir´s oil together with shelf stability are key parameters distinguishing the product from competition and after multiple hours of state operation confidence in retaining these important product quality parameters has been increased as we are scaling the technology through demonstration.