Technoeconomic assessment of direct biomass liquefaction to transportation fuels

A techno-economic review of thermochemical cellulosic biofuel pathways

Recent advances in the thermochemical processing of biomass have resulted in efforts to commercialize several cellulosic biofuel pathways. Until commercial-scale production is achieved, however, techno-economic analysis is a useful methodology for quantifying the economic competitiveness of these pathways with petroleum, providing one indication of their long-term feasibility under the U.S. revised Renewable Fuel Standard. This review paper covers techno-economic analyses of thermochemical cellulosic biofuel pathways in the open literature, discusses and compares their results, and recommends the adoption of additional analytical methodologies that will increase the value of future pathway analyses.

Hierarchically structured catalysts for cascade and selective steam reforming/hydrodeoxygenation reactions

A hierarchically structured catalyst with combined steam reforming and hydrodeoxygenation active sites is reported to efficiently upgrade the pyrolysis vapors of lignocellulosic biomass via size-exclusion.

Catalytic fast pyrolysis of lignocellulosic biomass

We summarize the development of catalysts and provide the current understanding of the chemistry for catalytic fast pyrolysis of lignocelluloses biomass.

Feasibility study for thermal treatment of solid tire wastes in Bangladesh by using pyrolysis technology

In this study on the basis of lab data and available resources in Bangladesh, feasibility study has been carried out for pyrolysis process converting solid tire wastes into pyrolysis oils, solid char and gases. The process considered for detailed analysis was fixed-bed fire-tube heating pyrolysis reactor system. The comparative techno-economic assessment was carried out in US$ for three different sizes plants: medium commercial scale (144 tons/day), small commercial scale (36 tons/day), pilot scale (3.6 tons/day). The assessment showed that medium commercial scale plant was economically feasible, with the lowest unit production cost than small commercial and pilot scale plants for the production of crude pyrolysis oil that could be used as boiler fuel oil and for the production of upgraded liquid-products.

Synergies between Bio- and Oil Refineries for the Production of Fuels from Biomass

As petroleum prices continue to increase, it is likely that biofuels will play an ever-increasing role in our energy future. The processing of biomass-derived feedstocks (including cellulosic, starch- and sugar-derived biomass, and vegetable fats) by catalytic cracking and hydrotreating is a promising alternative for the future to produce biofuels, and the existing infrastructure of petroleum refineries is well-suited for the production of biofuels, allowing us to rapidly transition to a more sustainable economy without large capital investments for new reaction equipment. This Review discusses the chemistry, catalysts, and challenges involved in the production of biofuels.