Catalytic biomass pyrolysis in an auger reactor

Abstract

The present invention relates generally to the thermal conversion of biomass. Processes are disclosed for converting biomass to condensable vapor intermediates such as pyrolysis oil by means of catalytic pyrolysis in a reactor comprising at least one auger, where the catalyst also comprises a heat carrier. The intermediates produced may be further processed for production of renewable hydrocarbon fuels.

Description

CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS[0001]This application is a non-provisional application which claims benefit under 35 USC §119(e) to U.S. Provisional Application Ser. No. 61 / 658,513 filed Jun. 12, 2012, entitled CATALYTIC BIOMASS PYROLYSIS IN AN AUGER REACTOR, which is incorporated herein in its entirety.STATEMENT OF FEDERALLY SPONSORED RESEARCH[0002]None.FIELD OF THE DISCLOSURE[0003]The present invention relates generally to pyrolytic conversion of biomass in the presence of a catalyst and a heat carrier in a reactor comprising at least one auger.BACKGROUND[0004]The Renewable Fuels Standards (RFS) enacted by the US Government mandate the increased use of renewable energy sources to reduce emissions of carbon based fuels and provide alternatives to petroleum based energy and feedstock.[0005]One of the alternatives being explored is the use of biomass. Biomass is any carbon containing material derived from living, or recently-living, organisms. The ability to convert biomass d...

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Benefits of technology

[0009]The present disclosure provides novel processes for converting biomass to bio-oil by means of pyrolysis. In certain embodiments, the process comprises providing a thermal reactor comprising at least one auger and a first mixture comprising at least one catalyst, wherein the catalyst is also a heat carrier capable of rapidly transferring heat to a feedstock. A feedstock comprising biomass is introduced to the thermal reactor and contacted with the first mixture to form a second mixture and convert the feedstock into solids, condensable vapor intermediates, and non-condensable gases via pyrolysis. The at least one catalyst transfers heat to the feedstock and also increases the rate at which the feedstock is converted, while rotation of the at least one auger increases direct contact between the feedstock and the catalyst and increases the rate of heat transfer from the catalyst to the feedstock. The second mixture is conveyed through the reactor for a defined residence time prior to removal from the reactor.

[0012]Generally, the presence of the at least one catalyst increases the rate of pyrolysis, such that the temperature required for pyrolysis is lowered, the required residence time of the feedstock is decreased, or combinations thereof. In certain embodiments, the atmosphere maintained inside the thermal reactor comprises an inert gas and less than 0.5 mol % oxygen gas. In certain alternative embodiments, the atmosphere maintained inside the thermal reactor comprises a reactive gas selected from a group consisting of hydrogen, synthesis gas (i.e., CO+H2), steam / water, ammonia, methane, ethane, propane, butane, pentane, and natural gas, etc., and any combinations of these gases.

Problems solved by technology

Bio-oil typically is thermally unstable, acidic, and not miscible with petroleum feedstocks.

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