Description:
Project ID: D2015-31
Background
Biomass of non-lignocellulosic origin is typically composed of one or more of three components – protein, starch and oils (such as triacylglycerides or other lipids). One of the concerns with thermochemical processing of protein-containing biomass is contamination of bio-oil with nitrogen-containing compounds (such as pyrozole, pyridine, maltol etc.) derived from protein. N-containing fuels are of low quality and may not pass fuel standards due to formation of NOx upon combustion. In addition, when bio-oils are upgraded through catalytic hydrogenation and deoxygenation, presence of N-compounds can poison the catalysts. Researchers at the University of Toledo have developed a process to recover oil and gas individually from each of these fractions and produce high-quality bio-oils, and/or biodiesel, free of nitrogen-containing compounds.
Invention Description
A method for production of multiple biofuels through thermal fractionation of non-lignocellulosic biomass is described. The method involves heating the biomass feedstock in an inert and oxygen-free environment and is performed at lower temperatures than conventional pyrolysis. The method results in the production of bio-oils, gases and char. In addition, the method describes ways to upgrade bio-oils to liquid fuels that are directly compatible with existing engines and infrastructure. The bio-oil production and upgradation all occur within a single process that is integrated with the thermal fractionation.
Applications
• Fuel production from a wide variety of biomass types ranging from algae to terrestrial oil- or carbohydrate- containing feed stocks
Advantages
• Near complete conversion of biomass carbon to fuels and products
• Conversion to biodiesel occurs in a novel and cost-effective single step, needing no further purification
• No catalyst necessary—fewer steps to product = lower cost operation
• Energy-efficient, low temperature pyrolysis process directly produces infrastructure-compatible biodiesel
• Nitrogen-rich biochar produced by the process may be used as a valuable soil amendment or fertilizer
• Volatilized compounds can be condensed and recovered as syngas
• Broadly useful for production of liquid transportation fuels
• Fuels are compatible with current infrastructure
IP Status: US Utility Patent, 9,809,781