Computer-Aided Framework for the Design of Optimal Bio-Oil/Solvent Blend with Economic Considerations

Jia Wen Chong,Suchithra Thangalazhy-Gopakumar,Kasturi Muthoosamy,Lik Yin Ng,Omar Anas Aboagwa,Nishanth G Chemmangattuvalappil

doi:10.3390/pr9122159

Jia Wen Chong, Suchithra Thangalazhy-Gopakumar + Show 4 more

Open Access

https://doi.org/10.3390/pr9122159

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Journal: Processes	Publication Date: Nov 29, 2021
Citations: 3	License type: CC BY 4.0

Affiliation: University of Nottingham Malaysia Campus

Abstract

A major obstacle in utilising pyrolysis bio-oil as biofuel is its relatively low heating value, high viscosity, and non-homogeneity. Solvent addition is a simple yet practical approach in upgrading pyrolysis bio-oil. However, most solvents are often manufactured as specialty chemicals, and thus, this leads to a high production cost of solvents. It is crucial for the designed solvent-oil blend to achieve both fuel functionality and economic targets to be competitive with the conventional diesel fuel. Hence, the objective of this work is to generate feasible solvent candidates by solving this multi-objective optimisation (MOO) problem via a computer-aided molecular design (CAMD) approach. Initially, an optimisation model was developed to identify potential solvents that satisfied the predefined targeted properties. Next, a MOO model was developed via a fuzzy optimisation approach to identify the trade-off between profitability and heating value of the solvent-oil blend. A pricing model was employed to estimate the profitability of the solvent-oil blend. The production of bio-oil in a pyrolysis plant was used to illustrate the applicability of the pricing model. Lastly, phase stability analysis was conducted to ensure the stability and miscibility of the solvent-oil blend. With the developed framework, a promising and cost-effective solvent-oil blend can be generated while displaying optimal biofuel properties.

Highlights

The conversion of lignocellulosic biomass material, called second generation biomass, into usable intermediates has attracted the attention as a potential renewable energy source
Pidtasang et al [4] found that adding a small proportion of alcohol solvents to bio-oil could improve its heating value, stability, and viscosity, the values still could not meet the quality of conventional gasoline and diesel
The fast pyrolysis process considered in this work is related to an application in Malaysia

Summary

Introduction

The conversion of lignocellulosic biomass material, called second generation biomass, into usable intermediates has attracted the attention as a potential renewable energy source. The properties of pyrolysis bio-oils differ for different feedstock sources and production parameters, but the products are generally of poor quality compared to conventional fuels. Pidtasang et al [4] found that adding a small proportion of alcohol solvents to bio-oil could improve its heating value, stability, and viscosity, the values still could not meet the quality of conventional gasoline and diesel. Organic solvents such as acetone, acetone-methanol, ethanol, isopropanol, and methanol were used for bio-oil upgrading [5]

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