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Content archived on 2024-04-16

Characterization lipograding blending and production chemicals of pyrolysis from biomass

Objective

Development of methods for analysis and characterization, investigation of upgrading in general and especially by blending into existing refineries and production of high-quality chemicals.
The characterization and composition of pyrolysis oils was determined from data produced in a carbonization unit. Chemical and physical properties such as density, viscosity, elemental composition, water content, char content and solubility were first determined, then an in depth chemical characterization was carried out by liquid liquid fractionation. Separation produced 4 fractions (acids, bases, polars and hydrocarbons) which were subsequently analyzed by gas chromatography-mass spectrometry (GC-MS) and Fourier transform infrared (FTIR).

The acidic fraction was the most abundant and contained essentially phenolic structure with alkyl and methoxy functions. The basic fraction was always very small and some aromatic nitrogen containing compounds were identified. The polar neutral fraction was also small and its characterization was very difficult. The hydrocarbon fraction was especially constituted of aromatics and cyclics of up to 4 rings, and some aliphatics were also identified. Very polar molecules were recuperated which had been retained in the aqueous layer. This fraction, called aqueous fraction, contained mainly carboxylic esters, alcohols, ketones and ethers.

It can be concluded that the composition of the oil depends especially on the pyrolysis method and not on the raw materials. Slow pyrolysis units, like the Basa carbonization pilot plant, produce less liquids than flash pyrolysis units, but the quality of the oils seems better.
The work covers investigations on the utilization of pyrolysis oils from biomass from different sources. The results will make possible the comparison of different feedstocks with respect to their suitability and a judgement for commercial use of pyrolysis oils.

The work will be performed at 4 different institutions which will work on different tasks.

1) Characterization

Development of analytical methods for comparison of products from different pyrolysis processes. This includes a number of physical, chemical and thermal properties.

2) Upgrading of pyrolysis oils

Tests on hydro-processing and co-processing of pyrolysis oils: optimisation of reaction conditions. testing of new catalysts, impact on yield structures and product qualities, investigation of environmental aspects, phenolics recovery.

3) Blending into standard refineries

Investigation of impacts on different upgrading processes in an existing refinery with respect to product distribution, qualities and catalyst stability. Reformer, desulphurization unit and hydrocracker are experimentally simulated, non-catalytic processes are calculated.

4) Production of chemicals

Development of operation techniques for recovery of the phenolic fraction. Study of conversion processes to produce methyl aryl ethers. Evaluation of additional applications of pyrolysis oil derived chemicals.

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Topic(s)

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Call for proposal

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Funding Scheme

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CSC - Cost-sharing contracts

Coordinator

UNIVERSITE CATHOLIQUE DE LOUVAIN
EU contribution
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Total cost

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Participants (4)

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