Co-processing Biocrude Oil with Petroleum Fraction in FCC
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current biomass conversion processes face challenges such as high oxygen content in bio-fuels, low hydrocarbon yields, reactor fouling, and phase separation issues, limiting the production of suitable liquid fuels from cellulosic biomass.
Innovation Solution
Co-processing biocrude oil, enriched with additives like vegetable oil or alcohol, with a petroleum fraction in a fluidized catalytic cracker, adjusting catalyst ratios and feed addition rates to enhance fuel product yields and stability.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Loss of substance
If traditional biomass conversion processes are used to produce liquid fuels, then oxygen removal is achieved, but hydrocarbon yields remain low and reactor fouling occurs
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces an intermediary substance (viscosity-reducing agent) that modifies the biocrude oil properties before processing. This intermediary action reduces viscosity and prevents polymerization, thereby improving hydrocarbon yields while maintaining oxygen removal capabilities through the catalytic cracking process
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes physical parameters of the biocrude oil by adding viscosity-reducing agents and controlling processing conditions (temperature, residence time). These parameter changes prevent unwanted side reactions and improve the overall productivity and hydrocarbon yield of the conversion process
2Device complexity
If biocrude oil is processed without additives, then processing simplicity is maintained, but product stability and yield are reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies preliminary action by adding viscosity-reducing agents to the biocrude oil before the catalytic cracking process. This pre-treatment modifies the feedstock properties to prevent polymerization and improve product yield, while the simplicity of the addition process maintains relatively low operational complexity
3Quantity of substance
If high oxygen content biocrude oil is processed, then feedstock utilization is maximized, but phase separation and product instability occur
Solution Approach 1:
The viscosity-reducing agent acts as an intermediary that stabilizes the biocrude oil composition during processing. It prevents phase separation by maintaining molecular dispersion and reducing polymerization tendencies, thereby preserving product stability while allowing maximum utilization of high-oxygen biocrude feedstock
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
Increases the yield of desirable liquid fuel products, such as C3-C4 fractions, gasoline, and diesel fuel, while reducing oxygen content and improving reactor performance, thus overcoming previous limitations in biomass conversion.
Implementation Method 1
co-processing the oil with a petroleum fraction in the presence of a catalyst
Implementation Method 2
fluidized catalytic cracker
Data Source
AI summary
The present application generally relates to catalytically preparing liquid fuel products with an improved product mix by co-processing a plurality of reactants in in refinery or field-upgrading operations. The reactants may include, for example, petroleum fraction and a biocrude oil having an alcohol additive.