BIOMASS LIQUEFACTION PROCESS FOR FUEL AND CHEMICAL APPLICATION

Background

o The demand of both fuel and chemicals increases and is mainly supplied by
fossil resources.
o In addition, based on MEMR Regulation 12/2005 regarding biodiesel
mandatory has targeted the utilization of biodiesel (B100) maximum 30% in
2025. However, there are still some constraints of the use of biodiesel 20%
(B20) in its applications such as too viscous, reactive to rubber material,
requiring modification for engine and storage to overcome the oxygenated
compounds, and relatively lower heating value than fossil fuels [3].
Therefore, the addition of green-diesel by 10% will be the best option to
achieve 30% maximum using of bio-fuels in 2025.
o Indonesia has enormous variety of biomass resources due to the agro-climate
zone which is suitable for biomass plantations such as rubber trees, saw
dusts, rice husks, coconut shells, and a variety of other dry biomass
materials.
o The implementation of biomass fuel- and chemical-based indirectly
contributes to reducing global warming since it is carbon-neutral fuels.

Objectives the research

1. Characterization of potential biomass feedstock such as plantation waste of
oil palm (Empty Fruit Bunch (EFB), Frond, trunk, etc.), jatropha curcas, and
others.
2. Evaluation of technical aspects on the biomass liquefaction for fuel and
chemical application
3. Implementation the biomass liquefaction process on laboratory scale

Scope of Work
Bio-crude oil, a liquid product produced by biomass conversion through a thermo-
chemical process, appears to be a potential fuel or chemical resources because of
its sustainable feedstock. Liquefaction, a direct process which converts biomass or
bio-based resources, is typically carried out at high temperature and elevated
pressure into the energy-dense bio-crude oil. Solvent selection for this process is
crucial since it may affect the reaction rates, the reaction pathways, product
distributions, and yields. Solvents as a liquefaction medium have a role in dissolving
the biomass components, for example, a polar compound (glucose) can be soluble
or miscible in a polar solvent (water), but not in a non-polar solvent. Fig 1 shows the
biomass liquefaction into products.
 Gas
products
Liquefaction Upgrading
Feed
process Liquid Products: process
- Light Organics (b.p.<180oC) End Products:
Feed: Operation - Medium Organics (b.p. 180oC-300oC) - Fuel
- Biomass conditions: - Heavy Organics (b.p. 300oC-420oC) - Chemical
- Solvents T =250 – 400 oC - Residue (b.p. >420oC) Extracting
- Catalysts P =~100 bar process

Solid
residue Upgrading and
Extracting process:
- Catalytic cracking
- Hydrotreatment
- Vacuum distillation

Fig 1. The process of biomass to end

products
Laboratory Facilities
The liquefaction experiments were performed in a batch autoclave (500 mL,
1 L, and 5 L). Fig 2. depicts the batch system for liquefaction. The biocrude
oil could be upgraded via hydroprocessing into fuel products. Fig 3. shows
the continuous process of bio-crude oil for hydroprocessing. The organic
compounds could be extracted from the organics phase.
 Gas H2 In

V-01 V-02
TIC

Gas Out
PI
V-03

Panel
R-01

T-01

Fig 2. The batch reactor system

SV-02 PG
TI TI TI 03
01 02 03

R-01
TIC
04

TIC
03
C-01
TIC
02
CW
TIC
00
PG
PH-01 04

TIC
00
GAS OFF
PG V-0B V-31 V-51
01

HT-01
H2 IN PCV-02 V-21
V-41
PCV-01 V-01 V-03 CV-01
PG
N2 IN 02
SV-01 V-06
V-11 V-02 F

F-02

V-0A V-05
HV-03 HV-04
F CV-01

F-01

V-04
HV-01 HV-02
HP-01

Fig 3. The flow diagram of continuous fixed bed for hydroprocessing/oil upgrading

Analysis equipment:
o GC TCD
o GC FID
o GC BID
o Calorific value
o CHN Analyzer
o S Analyzer