Production of higher quality bio-oils by in-line esterification of pyrolysis vapor
AssigneeUniversity of Georgia Research Foundation, Inc.
InventorsRoger Norris Hilten, Keshav Das, James R. Kastner, Brian P. Bibens
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Abstract
The disclosure encompasses in-line reactive condensation processes via vapor phase esterification of bio-oil to decease reactive species concentration and water content in the oily phase of a two-phase oil, thereby increasing storage stability and heating value. Esterification of the bio-oil vapor occurs via the vapor phase contact and subsequent reaction of organic acids with ethanol during condensation results in the production of water and esters. The pyrolysis oil product can have an increased ester content and an increased stability when compared to a condensed pyrolysis oil product not treated with an atomized alcohol.
Claims33
A method of modifying the content of a pyrolysis oil product, comprising:
- (a) treating a pyrolysis oil vapor comprising a carbonyl-containing component with an atomized alcohol or amine under conditions allowing a condensation reaction between the carbonyl-containing component and the alcohol or amine, thereby generating a reaction product;
- and
- (b) condensing the pyrolysis oil vapor and the reaction product to form a pyrolysis oil product having an increased ester or amide content when compared to a condensed pyrolysis oil product not treated with an atomized alcohol or amine.
A process for generating a pyrolysis oil product, comprising:
- pyrolyzing a biomass, thereby generating a heated pyrolysis oil vapor comprising at least one carbonyl-containing component;
- delivering the pyrolysis oil vapor to a reactive condensation unit,
- delivering an atomized alcohol to the reactive condensation unit, thereby forming a reaction mix comprising the pyrolysis oil vapor and the atomized alcohol or amine;
- maintaining the reaction mix under conditions suitable for generating at least one condensation reaction product in the absence of a catalyst;
- and
- condensing the pyrolysis oil vapor and the at least one condensation reaction product to form a pyrolysis oil product having an increased ester or amide content and increased stability when compared to a condensed pyrolysis oil product not treated with an atomized alcohol or amine.
A system for generating a pyrolysis product, comprising:
- a pyrolysis unit configured to receive and pyrolyze a biomass, thereby generating a heated pyrolysis oil vapor having a carbonyl-containing component;
- a reactive condensation unit operably communicating with the pyrolysis unit, wherein the reactive condensation unit is configured to receive the pyrolysis oil vapor and an atomized alcohol or amine, thereby forming a reaction mix within the reactive condensation unit, and further configured to deliver a condensate to a receiving vessel;
- and
- a receiving vessel operably disposed to receive a condensate comprising a pyrolysis oil product from the reactive condensing unit.
Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.