Mixing of Fast Pyrolysis Oil and Black Liquor: Preparing an Improved Gasification Feedstock

Abstract

Co-gasification of fast pyrolysis oil and black liquor can be used to increase the size and improve profitability of pulp mill integrated biorefineries. The acids present in pyrolysis oil limit the amount that can be mixed into black liquor without causing precipitation of the black liquor dissolved lignin. This work shows that a simple model based on pyrolysis oil total acid number, including weak phenolic acids, can be used to predict the maximum pyrolysis oil fraction in blends. The maximum oil fraction is 20–25% for typical pyrolysis oil but can be increased up to at least 50% mass, corresponding to 70% energy, by addition of base. Thermodynamic equilibrium calculations are used to understand the effects of blend composition, including any added base, on the performance of a commercial scale gasification process. A substantial increase in overall gasification efficiency is observed with increasing pyrolysis oil fraction.