Source: UNIV OF MINNESOTA submitted to NRP
DEVELOPMENT OF SCALABLE DISTRIBUTED BIOREFINING PROCESSES FOR BIOMASS CONVERSION
Sponsoring Institution
National Institute of Food and Agriculture
Project Status
COMPLETE
Funding Source
OTHER GRANTS
Reporting Frequency
Annual
Accession No.
0221693
Grant No.
2009-10001-05115
Cumulative Award Amt.
$975,676.00
Proposal No.
2009-00429
Multistate No.
(N/A)
Project Start Date
Jul 18, 2008
Project End Date
Jul 14, 2012
Grant Year
2009
Program Code
[RDFD]- Biomass R&D Initiative Awards Funded Prior to FY2009
Recipient Organization
UNIV OF MINNESOTA
(N/A)
ST PAUL,MN 55108
Performing Department
Bioproducts & Biosystems Engineering
Non Technical Summary
Thermochemically converting cellulosic biomass into biofuels and bioproducts is facing two major challenges: high transportation costs associated with bulky biomass and high capital costs of current conversion technologies. Our novel strategy to address these challenges is to develop an innovative pyrolysis system that can be installed and operated on farms at affordable costs. However, commercial pyrolysis facilities are very limited and current plant sizes are in the range of 45 to 100 tons per day, which will require large capital investment and a huge supply of feedstock. Most of the pyrolysis and gasification technologies require substantial post-conversion treatments of the conversion products. The goal of the project is to develop and demonstrate an innovative pyrolysis system for converting cellulosic biomass to easy-to-transport-and-handle bio-oils which can be further converted to biofuels and bioproducts. Our project addresses the second technical area defined in the RFA, which is "Overcoming Recalcitrance of cellulosic biomass through developing technologies for converting cellulosic biomass into intermediates that can be subsequently converted into biobased fuels and biobased products." The "Detailed Description of Technical Areas" in the RAF states that "Pyrolysis efforts should focus on improving stability and long-term storability and reducing the Total Acid Number (TAN) of bio-oils. Improving the yields of converting bio-oils to fungible fuels is another R&D area of importance." To address this specific issues, the supporting objectives of the proposed activities are (1) to develop efficient and cost-effective microwave assisted pyrolysis (MAP) processes that yield high quality bio-oils, (2) to develop processes to improve the purity, stability, long-term storability of bio-oils, (3) to explore the potential of converting bio-oils to fungible fuels and biomaterials, and (4) to conduct techno-economic and environmental analysis of the processes and products. The proposed activities are highly relevant to the objectives outlined in 7 U.S.C. 8606(c). The successful completion of the project will move microwave assisted pyrolysis of biomass significantly closer to its industrial application.
Animal Health Component
40%
Research Effort Categories
Basic
20%
Applied
40%
Developmental
40%
Classification

Knowledge Area (KA)Subject of Investigation (SOI)Field of Science (FOS)Percent
4025210202040%
4045340202030%
5117410202030%
Knowledge Area
511 - New and Improved Non-Food Products and Processes; 404 - Instrumentation and Control Systems; 402 - Engineering Systems and Equipment;

Subject Of Investigation
5340 - Nonfarm structures and related facilities; 7410 - General technology; 5210 - Fertilizers;

Field Of Science
2020 - Engineering;
Goals / Objectives
The goal of the project is to develop and demonstrate an innovative pyrolysis system for distributed conversion of cellulosic biomass to easy-to-transport-and-handle bio-oils which can be further converted to biofuels and Bioproducts at a central biorefinery. The specific supporting objectives of the proposed activities are (1) to develop efficient and cost-effective microwave assisted pyrolysis (MAP) processes that yield high quality bio-oils, (2) to develop biorefining processes to turn bio-oils to valuable products and intermediates, (3) to explore the potential of fungible fuels and biomaterials from MAP oils, and (4) to conduct techno-economic and environmental analysis of the processes and products. The proposed activities are highly relevant to the objectives outlined in 7 U.S.C. 8606(c). The successful completion of the project will allow us to produce environmentally-friendly biofuels and bioproducts from agricultural and forestry biomass on/near biomass product sites and therefore help increase the energy security of the United States, bring jobs and income to biomass producers and biorefineries in rural areas, improve environments, and promote new uses of agricultural and forestry products for additional economical benefits.
Project Methods
The project will be organized into four objective areas. (1) To develop efficient and cost-effective microwave assisted pyrolysis (MAP) processes that yield high quality bio-oils and syngas. The relationship between heating rate and fraction yields and properties of bio-oil, and the relationship between catalysts and light oil yield and its chemical profiles will be studied under different processing conditions. (2) To develop biorefining processes to turn bio-oils to valuable products and intermediates. We will develop and evaluate solvent extraction of water phase and oil phase from the liquid products, to develop other refining and upgrading methods to produce bio-oil blends, and to utilize the heavy oil fraction. (3) To explore the potential of bio-fuels and biomaterials from MAP oils. We will develop and test processes for synthesis of biopolymers from heavy oil fraction and conduct limited combustion tests of light oil, emulsified fuels, and hydrothermally treated heavy oil. (4) To conduct techno-economic and environmental analysis of the processes and products. We will develop a flow diagram and cost structure of process (physical flow, costs and energy), gather cost/energy data, prepare financial/economic/energy analysis and sensitivity analysis, prepare sensitivity analysis, prepare analysis of environmental impact, and summarize, evaluate and report results. The results and knowledge acquired during the project will be used in classroom teaching (Introduction to Renewable Energy Technology, Principles of Bioprocessing), published on peer-reviewed journals, presented in technical conferences, and made available to the industry and general public through seminars, workshop, and websites. The project progress will be evaluated against the project schedule listed in (F) on a regular basis through a number of ways including quarterly reports and participants phone calls and email exchanges. Special check points ("go or no go") are marked on the Project Time Table. There are four "go or no go" check points. #1. No go if the increase in total liquid yield from the catalytic MAP process is less than 10% compared with non-catalytic MAP process. #2. No go if the increase in light oil fraction is less than 15%. #3. No go if we fail to produce stable emulsified biofuels. #4. No go if we fail to convert 50% of the heavy oil to light oil.

Progress 07/18/08 to 07/14/12

Outputs
OUTPUTS: This project was carried out to develop and demonstrate an innovative pyrolysis system for distributed conversion of cellulosic biomass to easy-to-transport-and-handle bio-oils which can be further converted to biofuels and bioproducts at a central biorefinery. Our efforts were aimed to tackle two major challenges/obstacles faced by thermochemical conversion technologies: high transportation costs associated with bulky biomass and high capital costs of current conversion technologies. Our proposed solution is the microwave assisted pyrolysis (MAP) technology which could be implemented in affordable scale suitable for distributed conversion. In order to achieve this goal, we carried R&D activities to (1) understand and optimize the MAP processes, (2) develop biorefining schemes for utilization of the conversion products, (3) explore product possibilities, and (4) conduct techno-economic and environmental analysis of the technology. Significant quantifiable progresses were made towards the proposed objectives. PARTICIPANTS: Roger Ruan, PI Paul Chen, co-PI Dean Current, co-PI Linda Meschke, co-PI Changyang Yang, Postdoc J Moen, graduate student Yiqin Wan, graduate student, postdoc Bo Zhang, postdoc Jieping Wu, Postdoc Kevin Hennessey, graduate student Xiaoquan Wang, postdoc Chengguang Wang, postdoc TARGET AUDIENCES: academic researchers, students, biomass producers, biomass processing industry, energy and material industry, equipment manufacturers, government agencies. PROJECT MODIFICATIONS: Not relevant to this project.

Impacts
The project has significant impact on the scientific and technological knowledge of biomass pyrolysis and upgrading and utilization of pyrolytic products. Specifically, the finding of exothermal reactions, alternate heating, and improved product selectivity using catalysts is critical to the understanding and further development of biomass pyrolysis technology. The project also has impact on future equipment development. The two generations of pilot scale facilities as a result of the project provide not only the experience but also opportunity for scale-up development, which is critical to transfer and commercialization of the technology. The techno-economic and environment analyses show that the technology, once commercialized and in widespread operation, can create jobs, bring additional incomes to operators, and poses less environmental stress compared with other technologies. Finally, the technology can help advance the concept of distributed biomass conversion, opening up a window for farmers to participate in the bioenergy industry, and changing the landscape for the better sustainability of bio-based economy. I. Project Goal and Objectives

Publications

  • Peng, H., Hu, Z., Yu, Z., Zhang, J., Liu, Y., Wan, Y., and Ruan, R. 2012. "Fractionation and thermal characterization of hemicelluloses from bamboo (Phyllostachys pubescens Mazel) culm," BioRes. 7(1), 374-390.
  • Chen, P., Wan, Y., Wang, X., Cheng, Y., Liu, Y., Lin, X., Ruan, R. 2010. Bioenergy Industry Status and Prospects. In Industrial Crops and Uses, edited by B. Singh, pp21-34. CAB International. ISBN: 978-1-84593-616-7.
  • Li, Y., Chen YF, Min M, Chen P, Martinez B, Zhu J, R. Ruan. 2011. Characterization of a microalgae Chlorella sp. well adapted to highly concentrated municipal wastewater for nutrient removal and biodiesel production. Bioresource Technology. 102 (2011):5138-5144.
  • Chen, P., Y. Cheng, S. Deng, X. Lin, G. Huang, R. Ruan. 2010. Utilization of almond residues. Int J Agric & Biol Eng. 3(4):1-18.
  • Du, Z., Y. Wan, Y. Li, Q. Chen, X. Lin, P. Chen, R. Ruan. 2010. Microwave-assisted pyrolysis of microalgae for biofuel production. Bioresource Technology. 102, 4890-4896.
  • Yu, F., P. H. Steele, and R. Ruan. 2010. Microwave pyrolysis of corn cob and characteristics of the pyrolytic chars. Energy Sources, Part A, 32:475-484.
  • Chen, P., M. Min, Y. Chen, L. Wang, Y. Li, Q. Chen, C. Wang, Y. Wan, X. Wang, Y. Cheng, S. Deng, K. Hennessy, X. Lin, Y. Liu, Y. Wang, B. Martinez, R. Ruan. 2010. Review of biological and engineering aspects of algae to fuel approach. International Journal of Agricultural and Biological Engineering 2(4):1-30.
  • Moen, J., C. Yang, B. Zhang, H. Lei, K. Hennessy, Y. Wan, Z. Le, Y. Liu, P. Chen, R. Ruan. 2010. Catalytic microwave assisted pyrolysis of aspen. International Journal of Agricultural and Biological Engineering 2(4):70-75.
  • Zhang, B., C. Yang, J. Moen, Z. Le, K. Hennessy, Y. Wan, Y. Liu, H. Lei, P. Chen and R. Ruan. 2010. Catalytic conversion of microwave-assisted pyrolysis Vapors. Energy Sources, Part A: Recovery, Utilization, and Environmental Effects, 32: 18, 1756-1762. Wan, Y., J. Wu, Y. Qan, H. Lei, F. Yu, P. Chen, X. Lin, Y. Liu, R. Ruan. 2009. Liquefaction of corn stover using industrial biodiesel glycerol. International Journal of Agricultural and Biological Engineering 2(2): 32-40.
  • Yu, F., R. Ruan, P. Steele. 2009. Microwave pyrolysis of corn stover. Transactions of the ASABE. 52(5):1595-1601.
  • Wan, Y., P Chen, B. Zhang, C. Yang, Y. Liu, X. Lin, and R. Ruan. 2009. Microwave assisted pyrolysis of corn stover pellets with catalysts for bio-oil production. Journal of Analytical and Applied Pyrolysis 86(1):161-167.
  • Wu, J., Y. Wang, Y. Wan, H. Kei, F. Yu, Y. Liu, P. Chen, L. Yang, R. Ruan. 2009. Processing and properties of rigid polyurethane foams based on bio-oils from microwave-assisted pyrolysis of corn stover. International Journal of Agricultural and Biological Engineering 2(1): 40-50.
  • Yu, F., Z. Le, P. Chen, Y. Liu, X. Lin, R. Ruan. 2008. Atmospheric pressure liquefaction of dried distillers grains (DDG) and making polyurethane foams from liquefied DDG. Applied Biochemistry and Biotechnology 148(1-3):235-243.
  • Yu, F., Y., R. Ruan, P. Steele. 2008. Consecutive reaction model for the pyrolysis of corn cob. Transactions of ASABE 51(3): 1023-1028.
  • Ruan, R., P. Chen, R. Hemmingsen, V. Morey, and D. Tiffany. 2008. Size Matters: Small Distributed Biomass Energy Production Systems for Economic Viability. International Journal of Agricultural and Biological Engineering 1(1): 64-68.
  • Ruan Roger, Yiqin Wan, Changyang Yang, Bo Zhang, Xiangyang Lin, Xiaoquan Wang, Zhiping Le, and Paul Chen. 2009. IMPROVED PROCESS FOR PREPARING BIO-OILS FROM BIOMASS, US Patent Application, PCT/US2009/057009
  • Gao, Y., W. Chen, H. Lei, Y. Liu, X. Lin, R. Ruan. 2009. Optimization of esterification conditions for the production of biodiesel from Chinese tallow kernel oil with surfactant-coated lipase using surface response methodology. Biomass and Bioenergy 33(2):277-282.
  • Wan, Y., X. Lin, Y. Liu, C. Yang, B. Zhang, P Chen, H. Lei, and R. Ruan. 2009. Microwave assisted pyrolysis of corn stover pellets with catalysts for bio-oil production. Transaction of CSAE 25(4):190-195.
  • Gao, Y., W.W. Chen, H. Lei, Y. Liu, X. Lin, R. Ruan. 2011. Optimization of Transesterification Conditions for the Production of Fatty Acid Methyl Ester (FAME) from Chinese Tallow Kernel Oil with a Nano-Scale Magnetic Catalyst. Transactions of ASABE 54(3):1169-1174.
  • Lei, H., S. Ren, L. Wang, Q. Bu, J. Judson, J. Holladay, and R. Ruan. 2011. Microwave pyrolysis of distillers dried grain with solubles (DDGS) for Biofuel Production. Bioresource Technology. 2011 May;102(10):6208-13. Epub 2011 Feb 15.
  • Yecong Li, Wenguang Zhou, Bing Hu, Min Min, Paul Chen, Roger Ruan. 2011. Integration of Algae Cultivation as Biodiesel Production Feedstock with Municipal Wastewater Treatment: Strains Screening and Significance Evaluation of Environmental Factors. Bioresour Technol. 102(23):10861-10867.
  • Zhou, W., Y. Li, M. Min, B. Hu, P. Chen, R. Ruan. 2011. Local Bioprospecting for High-lipid Producing Microalgal Strains to be Grown on Concentrated Municipal Wastewater for Biofuel Production. Bioresour Technol. 2011 Apr 20. [Epub ahead of print].


Progress 07/18/10 to 07/17/11

Outputs
OUTPUTS: In this period, we focused our research on application of the processes developed to different feedstocks and development of the new generation of mobile system. We studied microwave assisted pyrolysis (MAP) of dry algae, corn stover, and scrap tire pallets. Co-pyrolysis of corn stover and scrap tire pallets was also examined. The bio-oil yield and properties were analyzed. The new mobile MAP system was installed and tested. PARTICIPANTS: Roger Ruan, PI Paul Chen, co-PI Dean Current, co-PI Linda Meschke, co-PI Changyang Yang, Postdoc J Moen, graduate student Yiqin Wan, graduate student, postdoc Bo Zhang, postdoc Jieping Wu, Postdoc Kevin Hennessey, graduate student Xiaoquan Wang, postdoc Chengguang Wang, postdoc TARGET AUDIENCES: Target audience: academic researchers, students, biomass producers, biomass processing industry, energy and material industry, equipment manufacturers, government agencies. Efforts: We have published/presented our findings on peer-reviewed journals/technical conferences, conducted demonstrations to the audience described above. Some knowledge gained is used in classroom teaching. PROJECT MODIFICATIONS: Rural Advantages Compnay continued to provide raw materials and other assistance for this research project, although we have other joint project funding with them to support this work, therefore the specific funding support in this project were used for research assistance.

Impacts
The algae bio-oil has a lower oxygen content, higher carbon, hydrogen content, higher heating value (HHV) and lower viscosity than wood bio-oil. The density and viscosity of bio-oil in our study were lower than that of wood bio-oil. The findings so far suggest that MAP process is a viable option for conversion of algae to bio-fuels. The new mobile system has become operational and preliminary tests indicated that the system met most of our design goals. Additional tests have been planned.

Publications

  • Xiaoquan Wang, William Morrison, Zhengyi Du, Yiqin Wan, Xiangyang Lin, Paul Chen1, Roger Ruan. 2011. Biomass Temperature Profile Development and Its Implications under the Microwave-assisted Pyrolysis Condition. Bioresource Technology. Submitted.
  • Yuhuan Liu, Liu Yang , Roger Ruan, Paul Chen, Xiaodan Wu, Jinsheng Zhang, Hong Peng, Yiqin Wan. 2011. Syntheses of 5-hydroxymethylfurfural by glucose dehydration in diphasic system with solid base catalyst ZrO2 and solid acid catalyst SO42-/TiO2-SiO2. Applied and analytical pyrolysis. In editing.
  • Gao, Y., W.W. Chen, H. Lei, Y. Liu, X. Lin, R. Ruan. 2011. Optimization of Transesterification Conditions for the Production of Fatty Acid Methyl Ester (FAME) from Chinese Tallow Kernel Oil with a Nano-Scale Magnetic Catalyst. Transactions of ASABE. Accepted.
  • Lei, H., S. Ren, L. Wang, Q. Bu, J. Judson, J. Holladay, and R. Ruan. 2011. Microwave pyrolysis of distillers dried grain with solubles (DDGS) for Biofuel Production. Bioresource Technology. 2011 Feb 15. (Epub ahead of print).
  • Chen, P., Y. Cheng, S. Deng, X. Lin, G. Huang, R. Ruan. 2010. Utilization of almond residues. Int J Agric & Biol Eng. 3(4):1-18.
  • Du, Z., Y. Wan, Y. Li, Q. Chen, X. Lin, P. Chen, R. Ruan. 2010. Microwave-assisted pyrolysis of microalgae for biofuel production. Bioresource Technology. 102, 4890-4896.
  • Chen, P., M. Min, Y. Chen, L. Wang, Y. Li, Q. Chen, C. Wang, Y. Wan, X. Wang, Y. Cheng, S. Deng, K. Hennessy, X. Lin, Y. Liu, Y. Wang, B. Martinez, R. Ruan. 2010. Review of biological and engineering aspects of algae to fuel approach. International Journal of Agricultural and Biological Engineering 2(4):1-30.


Progress 07/18/09 to 07/17/10

Outputs
OUTPUTS: In this period, we continued our research in following areas: (1) pyrolysis fractional yields and chemical and physical properties of bio-oil as a function of processing conditions mainly microwave power input, time, type and load of biomass feedstock, and catalysts; (2) upgrading and refining of bio-oil, (3) testing and characterization of liquid fuels, and (4) development of pilot scale conversion systems. We directed more efforts on the upgrading and refining of bio-oils and MAP conversion of microalgae. The conversion and refining products were characterized for chemical, physical, and fuel related properties. Results were presented in technical conferences and used to produce manuscripts for peer-reviewed publications. A new generation of MAP mobile demo system has been constructed and will be in operation soon. PARTICIPANTS: Roger Ruan, Paul Chen, Min Min, Wenguang Zhou, Xiaoquan Wang, Yecong Li, Zhenyi Du, Xiaochen Ma, Yanling Cheng, Liang Li, Bing Hu, Blanca Martinez, Hong Zhang, Yuan Zhao, Kevin W Hennessy, Michael J Mohr, Shaobo Deng TARGET AUDIENCES: Academics and industry in biomass feedstock production and conversion, and bio-fuel and biomaterial production. PROJECT MODIFICATIONS: Not relevant to this project.

Impacts
MAP of biomass feedstock shows improved bio-oil yield and quality. Especially, bio-oil from MAP of dried algae is much better than cellulosic feedstock derived bio-oil in terms of heat value, viscosity, acid numbers, and other fuel properties, and can be mixed directly with gasoline for engine use. The HTL process, which is considered an ideal process for wet algae conversion because it does not require costly drying operation, is faced with challenges in process control. We have developed hydrodeoxygenation and hydrodenitrogenation processes for upgrading of bio-oils. These processes significantly improve the heat value and viscosity, and remove pigments.

Publications

  • Yu, F., P. H. Steele, and R. Ruan. 2010. Microwave pyrolysis of corn cob and characteristics of the pyrolytic chars. Energy Sources, Part A, 32:475-484.
  • Wang, L., Y. Wang, P. Chen, and R. Ruan. 2010. Semi-continuous Cultivation of Chlorella vulgaris for Treating Undigested and Digested Dairy Manures. Applied Biochemistry and Biotechnology DOI 10.1007/s12010-010-9005-1.
  • Wang, L., M. Min, P. Chen, Y. Li, Y. Chen, R. Ruan. 2010. Cultivation of green algae Chlorella sp. in different wastewaters from municipal wastewater treatment plant. Applied Biochemistry and Biotechnology 160(1): 9-18.
  • Chen, P., M. Min, Y. Chen, L. Wang, Y. Li, Q. Chen, C. Wang, Y. Wan, X. Wang, Y. Cheng, S. Deng, K. Hennessy, X. Lin, Y. Liu, Y. Wang, B. Martinez, R. Ruan. 2010. Review of biological and engineering aspects of algae to fuel approach. International Journal of Agricultural and Biological Engineering 2(4):1-30.
  • Wang, L., M. Min, Y. Chen, Y. Li, R. Ruan. 2010. Digested dairy manure as a nutrient supplement for cultivation of oil-rich green microalgae Chlorella sp. Bioresource Technology 101(2010): 2623-2628.
  • Moen, J., C. Yang, B. Zhang, H. Lei, K. Hennessy, Y. Wan, Z. Le, Y. Liu, P. Chen, R. Ruan. 2010. Catalytic microwave assisted pyrolysis of aspen. International Journal of Agricultural and Biological Engineering 2(4):70-75.
  • Zhang, B., C. Yang, J. Moen, Z. Le, K. Hennessy, Y. Wan, Y. Liu, H. Lei, P. Chen and R. Ruan. 2010. Catalytic conversion of microwave-assisted pyrolysis Vapors. Energy Sources, Part A: Recovery, Utilization, and Environmental Effects, 32: 18, 1756-1762.


Progress 07/18/08 to 07/17/09

Outputs
OUTPUTS: In this period, we conducted our research and development in following areas: (1) pyrolysis fractional yields and chemical and physical properties of bio-oil as a function of processing conditions mainly microwave power input, time, type and load of biomass feedstock, and catalysts; (2) upgrading and refining of bio-oil, (3) testing and characterization of liquid fuels, and (4) development of pilot scale conversion systems. Microwave assisted pyrolysis (MAP) produces three fractions of products, namely bio-oil, syngas, and biochar. Our goal is to optimize the MAP process for bio-oil production. The fractional yields were investigated at different microwave input power levels which determine the heating rate and in turn affect the bio-oil yield. We screened metal oxides, salts, and acids as catalysts including K2Cr2O7, Al2O3, KAc, H3BO3, Na2HPO4, MgCl2, AlCl3, CoCl2, and ZnCl2. The effects of type, amount, and way of application on the fractional yields and chemical and physical properties of bio-oil were evaluated. Biomass feedstock studied include corn stover, corn cobs, grass, municipal and animal wastes, algae, wood chips, etc. Catalytic upgrading and refining processes were developed and studied for deoxygenation and denitrogenation of bio-oil. Different catalysts and process conditions were examined. The results from above mentioned research and development activities were used for design and construction of pilot scale MAP system. PARTICIPANTS: Roger Ruan, PI; Paul Chen, co-PI; Dean Current, co-PI; Linda Meschke, co-PI; Changyang Yang, Postdoc; J Moen, graduate student; Yiqin Wan, graduate student and then postdoc; Bo Zhang, postdoc; Jieping Wu, Postdoc; Yanling Cheng, Postdoc; Kevin Hennessey, graduate student; Zhenyi Du, graduate student; Xiaoquan Wang, postdoc; Chengguang Wang, postdoc. TARGET AUDIENCES: Target audience: academic researchers, students, biomass producers, biomass processing industry, energy and material industry, equipment manufacturers, government agencies. Efforts: We have published/presented our findings on peer-reviewed journals/technical conferences, conducted demonstrations to the audience described above. Some knowledge gained are used in classroom teaching. PROJECT MODIFICATIONS: No.

Impacts
The relationship between heating rate and fraction yields and properties of bio-oil, and the relationship between catalysts and light oil yield and its chemical profiles are now much better understood. An intermediate heating rate range is found to favor bio-oil production. Several catalysts, especially MgCl2, significantly narrowed the chemical profiles of bio-oil, indicating a dramatic improvement in selectivity of biomass pyrolysis process. The chemical profiles of bio-oil were found to be a strong function of type of feedstock. Bio-oils from algae and municipal wastes contain higher content of hydrocarbons and therefore of higher heating value and quality. Solvent extraction and blending were found to stabilize the bio-oil and lower the viscosity. A bench scale continuous catalytic reforming/refining system was developed. Direct catalytic refining produces gasoline like liquid fuel, which has much higher heating value and lower viscosity, and is much clearer than the raw bio-oil. The GC-MS analysis shows the refined bio-oil has a chemical profile very similar to gasoline. A pilot scale continuous MAP system was developed, installed, and tested. It helps verify the processes developed using bench batch devices. Next generation of pilot MAP system is under development. The findings so far suggest that catalytic pyrolysis is a practical approach to production of high quality bio-oils which can be refined to gasoline like liquid fuels through catalytic refining. Our research also indicates that the processes are scalable, and therefore suitable for distributed conversion of biomass.

Publications

  • Yu, F., P. H. Steele, and R. Ruan. 2010. Microwave pyrolysis of corn cob and characteristics of the pyrolytic chars. Energy Sources, Part A, 32:475-484.
  • Wan, Y., Liu, Y., Lin, X., Yang, C., Bo, Z., Chen, P., Lei, H., and Ruan, R. Microwave assisted pyrolysis of corn stover pellets with catalysts for bio-oil production and its component, Transactions of the Chinese Society of Agricultural Engineering (2009) 25, 190-195.
  • Wan, Y., Chen, P., Zhang, B., Yang, C. Y., Liu, Y., Lin, X., and Ruan, R. Microwave-assisted pyrolysis of biomass: catalysts to improve product selectivity, Journal of Analytical and Applied Pyrolysis (2009) 86, 161-167.
  • Wang, Y. H., Wu, J. P., Wan, Y. Q., Lei, H. W., Yu, F., Chen, P., Lin, X. Y., Liu, Y. H., and Ruan, R. Liquefaction of corn stover using industrial biodiesel glycerol, International Journal of Agricultural and Biological Engineering (2009) 2, 32-40.
  • Wu, J. P., Wang, Y. H., Wan, Y. Q., Lei, H. W., Yu, F., Liu, Y., Chen, P., Yang, L., and Ruan, R. Processing and properties of rigid polyurethane foams based on bio-oils from microwave-assisted pyrolysis of corn stover, International Journal of Agricultural and Biological Engineering (2009) 2, 40-50.
  • Moen, J., C. Yang, B. Zhang, H. Lei, K. Hennessy, Y. Wan, Z. Le, Y. Liu, P. Chen, R. Ruan. 2010. Catalytic microwave assisted pyrolysis of aspen. International Journal of Agricultural and Biological Engineering 2(4):70-75.
  • Zhang, B., C. Yang, J. Moen, Z. Le, K. Hennessy, Y. Wan, Y. Liu, H. Lei, P. Chen and R. Ruan. 2010. Catalytic conversion of microwave-assisted pyrolysis vapors. Energy Sources, Part A: Recovery, Utilization, and Environmental Effects (In press)
  • Wan, Y., Y. Wang, X. Lin, Y. Liu, P. Chen, Y. Li, and Ruan, R. 2010. Experimental investigation on microwave assisted pyrolysis of algae for rapid bio-oil production, Transactions of the CSAE, 26(1):295-300
  • Chen, P. and Ruan, R. 2010. Chapter 2. Bioenergy Industry Status and Prospects, in Industrial Crops and Uses, edited by B. Singh. CABI