High yield production of fuels and petro- or oleo-chemical precursors from vegetables oils/liquid feedstocks in a continuous-flow pyrolysis reactor

Project ID:  D2016-39 Background Pyrolysis of oil seeds and microalgae has the potential to displace petroleum-derived fuels. Current methods require batch processing which produces low yield of liquid products, contamination from secondary reactions, and causes buildup inside the reactor. Therefore, there is a need to improve the efficiency of pyrolysis if it is to become a commercially viable energy source.  Invention DescriptionResearchers at the University of Toledo have developed a method of pyrolysis that allows for rapid vaporization of feed, such as vegetable and microalgae oils. The process is continuous, using an atomizer to reach a 1-300s vapor residence time. An 88% liquid yield of hydrocarbons and fatty acids has been achieved and can be used in the production of fuels after fractional distillation. In addition, products such as olefin, oleic acid, and aromatics are precursors to a variety of chemical products.   Applications•       Production of olefin, paraffin, aromatics, oleic acids, fuel gas•       Markets, including oleochemical, biodiesel, petrochemical •       Production of gasoline or jet fuel Advantages•       Prevention of secondary reactions•       High yield of liquid products•       Avoids liquid buildup •       Addition of catalysts enhances selectivity towards aromatics •       Eliminates the need for carrier gas and preheating •       Capable of continuous-flow  IP Status:       US Patent Pending  Publication:       High-yield production of fuel- and oleochemical- precursors from triacylglycerols in a novel continuous-flow pyrolysis reactor  Shirazi Y, Viamajala S, Varanasi S. Applied Energy, 179 (2016). 755-764

USA