(750d) Upgrading of Bio-Oil Distillation Bottoms into Fuels and Coproducts

The advancement of innovative pyrolysis methods has enabled flexible processing of bio-oil, which could accelerate production of transportation fuels and chemical co-products. While traditional bio-oil requires hydrodeoxygenation, other oils like tail-gas reactive pyrolysis (TGRP) bio-oil allow for distillation prior to HDO. The solid residuum that remains post-distillation represents an opportunity for further processing into useful products.  

We will present our most recent results from our utilization of bio-oil distillation residuum. Characterization was carried out using elemental analysis, FTIR, temperature programmed oxidation (TPO), and Py-GC-MS methods. Distillate bottoms are structurally similar to their representative bio-oils, with the exception being their high molecular weight. Catalytic conversion of the residuum can produce volatile compounds that could be suitable for fuels or chemicals use.  Py-GC-MS experiments provided yields of specific compounds produced, char yield, and structural units present in the residuum. Product variations with respect to different catalysts loaded will be discussed. Furthermore, the residuum can be heat treated at high temperatures (1200 ^oC), producing calcined coke. In comparison to calcined petroleum coke, this biorenewable calcined coke exhibits properties that are comparable to and/or better, with respect to elemental composition.