Classified Separation of Flash Pyrolysis Oil

Abstract

This paper focuses on the classified separation of flash pyrolysis oil by united extraction and distillation. Flash pyrolysis oil was effectively separated into four types of substances, including water-soluble fraction (low-boiling organic acids, alcohols, ketones, etc.), crude saccharide (mainly levoglucosan), phenolic compounds (guaiacol, 2-methoxy-4-methylphenol, etc.), and residue. The separation process was discussed in detail. The optimal separation condition was temperature 50 °C, 1:1 of water-to-oil ratio, and 20 min of contacting time. At this optimal separation condition, external standard method was employed to quantify levoglucosan, 4.1 wt% of levoglucosan accounted for the bio-oil could be obtained. Moreover, the potential applications of these four types of separated substances were discussed and proposed. Considering it is a kind of simple and effective process for the bio-oil, as well as the promising application prospects of the classified separation substances, this separation method will bring a new and highly efficient application of the bio-oil.