BioOil Overview

A totally different process than that used to produce biodiesel can be used to convert biomass into a type of fuel similar to diesel known as BioOil. The process, called fast or flash pyrolysis, occurs when heating compact solid fuels at temperatures between 350 and 500 degrees Celsius for a very short period of time (less than 2 seconds). While there are several fast pyrolysis technologies under development, there are only two commercial fast pyrolysis technologies as of 2006. The BioOils currently produced are suitable for use in boilers for electricity generation. Additional research and development is needed to produce BioOil of sufficient quality for transportation applications.

DynaMotive Energy Systems is commercializing a proprietary fast pyrolysis process that converts forest and agricultural residue into liquid BioOil and char. The company launched the first BioOil cogeneration facility in West Lorn, 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’s mills and lumber kilns. Dynamotive is now in the process of building a second 200 ton-per-day plant in Western Canada.

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 BioOil. Ensyn has four RTP[tm] facilities in commercial operation; a new facility and a BioOil refining plant are currently under construction. Three of the commercial facilities are in Wisconsin and one is in 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 chemicals products from RTP[tm] BioOil with lower value remnant BioOil used for energy. Ensyn is just beginning to enter the energy market.

Sources: DynaMotive Energy Systems Corporation
http://www.dynamotive.com/

Ensyn Group Inc.
http://www.ensyn.com/