HTL - Hydrothermal liquefaction of forestry and agricultural residues

Important results from the project

In order to increase the profitability of a biorefinery, it is important that the value of different sub-streams from the process is maximized. In various thermochemical and biochemical processes based on lignocellulosic raw material such as sawdust, bark and lignin are always produced. Today these are usually burned to generate energy, but it is desirable to create a higher value than the energy value for these residual streams. Production of a bio-oil through hydrothermal liquefaction enables the use of these raw materials as fuel oil or for transportation fuel production.

Expected long term effects

Biomass fractions have been selected in accorance with the industrial parties. The use of raw materials from both forest and agriculture provides a relatively large raw material base, both at national and international level. Production of fuel oil or transportation fuel components from these side streams enables new business models that broaden the economic efficiency of biorefineries. Integration with pulp mills and heat and power plants can lead to lower production costs as for example biomass handling and waste water treatment in these cases can be coordinated.

Approach and implementation

Bio-oil from 5 fractions of biomass has been produced in a continuous pilot reactor at RISE Processum. The bio-oils have then been sent to RISE KPL for hydrodeoxygenation and to RISE ETC for testing in FCC and in combustion tests. Based on the technical results obtained from the experimental work, a techno-economic analysis has been performed. Integration with pulp mills and H&P plants has been studied and possible integration possibilities have been identified. 7 project meetings with the whole group have been held, enabling all participants to take part in the project in progress.