This report aims to develop and demonstrate a suite of low-emission biofuel technologies developed by Renergi/Curtin researchers, consisting of three inter-related technology components.
Report extract
This project aims to develop and demonstrate a suite of low-emission biofuel technologies developed by Renergi/Curtin researchers, consisting of three inter-related technology components:
- the grinding pyrolysis of biomass to produce biochar and bio-oil,
- the hydrotreatment (biorefinery) of bio-oil to produce liquid fuels and chemicals, and
- the production of solid biocarbon materials from bio-oil and/or biochar.
During the course of this project, a 100 kg/hr biomass grinding pyrolysis demonstration plant has been designed, constructed, commissioned and operated to prove the technical feasibility of this advanced pyrolysis technology. A large number of trials have been carried out using mallee woody biomass and agricultural residues as feedstocks. The technology is capable of pyrolysing a very wide range of biomass resources and wastes to produce high quality biochar and bio-oil. In particular, a wide range of biomass particle sizes, ranging from microns to centimetres, can be present in the same feedstock, greatly saving the capital and operating costs for biomass feedstock preparation. The technology can also be operated in the mode of oxidative pyrolysis, greatly facilitating the heat supply to the pyrolysis system in commercial operation.
During the project, a 20 L/hr bio-oil hydrotreatment demonstration plant has been designed, constructed, commissioned and operated with the bio-oil produced in the 100 kg/hr grinding pyrolysis demonstration plant. A large number of trials have been carried out under a wide range of conditions. The biofuel products can meet the majority of Australian fuel quality standards for petrol, diesel or related fuels. The outcomes of this project will help to formulate future Australian standards for biofuels from non-food lignocellulosic biomass resources.