Catalytic Fast Pyrolysis: Influencing Bio‐Oil Quality with the Catalyst‐to‐Biomass Ratio. Issue 1 (13th July 2016)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Paasikallio, Ville; Kalogiannis, Konstantinos; Lappas, Angelos; Lehto, Jani; Lehtonen, Juha
• Is Part Of: Energy technology. Volume 5:Issue 1(2017:Jan.)
• Page Start: 94
• Page End: 103
• Publication Date: 2016-07-13
• Subjects: biofuels -- biomass -- bio-oil -- catalytic fast pyrolysis -- zeolites; Energy development -- Periodicals; Power resources -- Periodicals; 333.79
• DOI: 10.1002/ente.201600094
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 2194-4288

Abstract

Abstract: In situ catalytic fast pyrolysis can be used to produce partially upgraded bio‐oils. This process, however, suffers from rapid catalyst deactivation caused by coke formation, which necessitates the use of continuous catalyst regeneration. This can be achieved by using a circulating fluidized‐bed reactor. In such a reactor, one key operational variable is the catalyst‐to‐biomass (C/B) ratio, which influences the extent of the catalytic reactions that take place. In this study, woody biomass is pyrolyzed in a pilot‐scale circulating fluidized‐bed reactor system using a HZSM‐5 zeolite with varying C/B ratios. The C/B ratio influences the overall product distribution, the elemental distribution, and the characteristics of the liquid products. An increase of the C/B ratio enhances the conversion of pyrolysis vapors but this does not result in a continuous improvement in bio‐oil quality. The C/B ratio is, nevertheless, a factor that can be used to optimize the catalytic fast pyrolysis process. Abstract : Bio‐oil or wastewater? Catalytic fast pyrolysis with acidic zeolites produces bio‐oil and an aqueous byproduct, which has to be further processed. We examine the effect of an excess of catalyst on the process as a method to influence the balance between the bio‐oil and the aqueous phase. The use of more catalyst influences the characteristics of both product fractions but does not effectively eliminate the presence of aqueous‐phase organics.