Biofuels
Bio-oil Overview A totally different process than that used to produce biodiesel can be used to convert biomass into a renewable diesel fuel known as bio-oil. The process, called fast or flash pyrolysis, occurs by heating compact solid fuels in the absence of air at temperatures between 400 and 500 degrees Celsius for a very short period of time (less than 2 seconds) and then condensing the resulting vapors within 2 seconds. While there are several fast pyrolysis technologies under development, there are only two commercial fast pyrolysis technologies as of 2008. The bio-oils currently produced are suitable for use in boilers or in turbines designed to burn heavy oils for electricity generation. There is currently ongoing research and development to upgrade bio-oil into transportation fuels. DynaMotive Energy Systems is commercializing a proprietary fast pyrolysis process that converts forest and agricultural residue into liquid bio-oil and char. The company is in the process of launching the first bio-oil cogeneration facility in West Lorne, Ontario, in collaboration with Erie Flooring and Wood Products Company. The flooring company provides the wood residue and Dynamotive’s 2.5-megawatt plant uses its fast pyrolysis technology and a gas turbine to supply power to the wood product company’s mills and lumber kilns. Dynamotive is now in the process of building a second 200 ton-per-day plant in Guelph, Ontario. Ensyn Group Inc. has commercialized a fast pyrolysis technology under the name of Rapid Thermal Processing RTP[tm]. This technology is based on the biomass refining concept, where value added chemicals are produced in addition to a consistent quality bio-oil. Ensyn has four RTP[tm] facilities in commercial operation; a new facility and a bio-oil refining plant are currently under construction. Three of the commercial facilities are in Wisconsin and one is near Ottawa, Canada. The largest of these facilities, built in 1996, processes about 75 green tons per day of mixed hardwood wastes. Ensyn currently produces about 30 chemical products from RTP[tm] bio-oil with lower value remnant bio-oil used for boiler fuel. Ensyn is just beginning to enter the energy market. Sources: DynaMotive
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