Producing advanced fast pyrolysis bio-oils by ex-situ catalytic vapour reforming

The BioMates technology aims to convert residues and 2nd generation biomass like straw and miscan-thus into high-quality bio-based intermediates (the ""BioMates""), of compatible properties with conventional refinery conversion units, allowing their direct and risk-free integration to any refinery towards the production of hybrid fuels. The quality of primary liquid product from ablative fast pyrolysis need further upgrading by mild hydrotreatment due to high oxygen content in organic compounds. To reduce the necessary hydrogen amount for this second step towards the production of BioMates the primary vapours coming from pyrolysis are directly contacted with a catalyst prior to condensation to remove some of the oxygen by decarboxylation and decarbonylation. 6 different catalysts are tried in a side stream experimental setup: 2 activated carbons, .-Al2O3 and 3 zeolites. 2 catalyst candidates - activated carbon SC40 and HZSM-5 loaded with 10 % Nickel - improved all relevant parameters of tarry phase product: increased organics, carbon and hydrogen content, reduced oxygen content and total acid number and increased higher heating value. Due to missing mass balance for the experiments, a comprehensive interpretation of the overall system performance is not possible.