Use of NIR spectra for property prediction of bio-oils and fractions thereof

A method for determining a property for a hydrocarbonaceous sample comprising a component prepared from the thermo-catalytic conversion of biomass at a temperature in the range of from about 200° C. to about 1000° C., and in the substantial absence of oxygen;

• said method comprising:
• a) measuring a model property for each of a plurality of model hydrocarbonaceous materials comprising varying amounts of said component;
• b) acquiring a plurality of model absorbances over a near-infrared spectrum for each of said model hydrocarbonaceous materials;
• c) correlating said model properties with said plurality of model absorbances to establish a correlation;
• d) acquiring a plurality of sample absorbances over said near-infrared spectrum for said hydrocarbonaceous sample;
• and
• e) comparing said plurality of sample absorbances to said plurality of model absorbances using said correlation to thereby determine said property for said hydrocarbonaceous sample.