(215b) Advancing Towards Scale-up, Developments in Hydrothermal Liquefaction of Biomass at Pacific Northwest National Laboratory

Hydrothermal liquefaction (HTL) is an emerging technology for converting wet biomass and wastes to fuel intermediates. Using hot (350 °C) and compressed (2,400 psig) water as the reaction medium, biomolecules in the feedstock material decompose, producing a biocrude and other carbon-rich co-products. The biocrude can be upgraded to finished fuel products, including gasoline, diesel, and jet fuel fractions.

In this talk, we will highlight key advancements made in recent years to improve the technical and economic viability of HTL. Key technical advances include strategies for formatting feedstocks, optimizing heat exchange, and managing solids during processing. Key economic opportunities were identified, such as sourcing regional feedstocks, blending seasonal feedstocks, and making use of cost-advantaged feedstocks. The cumulative results of the research advancements are incorporated into process and economic models for the design of a commercial-scale HTL facility. The proposed HTL facility has the potential to produce biofuels at a minimum fuel selling price of $2.77 per gasoline gallon equivalent (1,2).

[1] Zhu et al. Hydrothermal Liquefaction and Upgrading of Wastewater-Grown Microalgae: 2021 State of Technology. United States: 2022. doi:10.2172/1855835.

[2] Snowden-Swan et al. Wet Waste Hydrothermal Liquefaction and Biocrude Upgrading to Hydrocarbon Fuels: 2021 State of Technology. United States: 2022. doi:10.2172/1863608.