Abstract
The major challenge for the pyrolytic conversion of lignocellulosic materials into crude bio-oil is the poor quality of the final product. Several strategies (addition of solvents, production of emulsions, and extraction with biodiesel) have been studied to improve its fuel properties. The extraction with biodiesel is an interesting solution because it allows direct utilization of some bio-oil fractions as fuels. However, fraction extracted with biodiesel is typically between 10 and 18 wt. %. In this paper we studied mild hydrotreatment of pyrolysis oil to enhance its solubility in biodiesel. The study was conducted with BTG and Amaron oils hydrotreated at temperatures between 200 and 325°C in the presence of Ru/C catalyst. Hydrotreated oils generated three phases: top oil (light hydrocarbons), middle aqueous phase and bottom heavy oil phase. Each of the phases was characterized and the content of acetic acid, phenols, aromatic compounds, and linear alkane hydrocarbons quantified. The upgraded bio-oils were more soluble in biodiesel than the crude bio-oils, obtaining blends with up to 48 and 38 wt. % for the BTG and Amaron bio-oil, respectively. Some of the fuel properties of the resulting blends are also reported here.
Highlights
The world energy production reached 13,700 Mtoe in 2014, 1.1% more than in 2013
All experiments resulted in three liquid phases after reaction: an organic heavy oil phase, an aqueous phase and a very thin oil layer on the top
The top oil phase was less than 1 wt. % for both bio-oils, and it was not further analyzed as there was not sufficient quantity
Summary
According to IEA Statistics, biofuels and waste derived fuels maintained their share of 10.2% (International Energy Agency, World Energy Statistics 2016, IEA, Paris, 2016). This continuous increase in energy consumption is primarily derived from the growth of the transportation sector. The first generation of biofuels, bio-diesel and bio-ethanol, contributed to the reduction in green-house-gas emissions and enhanced the energy security. Their production utilizes the existing supply chains, rising the prices of food on the global market. In the last 10 years there have been renewed efforts in developing second generation biofuels derived from abundant lignocellulosic resources (agricultural, forest and municipal wastes, industrial wastes, energy crops)
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