Research | Biomass Conversion | Project

Advanced 3D Multiphase CFD Method for Bio-Oil Deoxygenation

Advanced 3D Multiphase CFD Method for Bio-Oil Deoxygenation
Joint Doctorate
1st supervisor and 1st promotor: Prof. Hans Kuipers (TU/e)
2nd promotor: Prof. Detlef Lohse (UT)
2nd supervisor and co-promotor: Assistant Prof. Kay Buist (TU/e)
Affiliation: Eindhoven University of Technology and University of Twente
Research theme: Smart Biomass Conversion

New generations of transportation fuels and chemicals involve a partial or complete replacement of fossil resources by renewable ones in response to the depletion of carbon fossil resources and as an effort to mitigate CO₂ emissions. Lignocellullosic biomass serves as a preferred feedstock for the generation of transportation fuels and chemical building blocks. After pyrolysis, the resulting biomass-derived oil could be further processed using existing refining catalysts, processes and infrastructure. This route offers the advantage that existing technologies can be utilized requiring relatively little additional capital investments.

However, refining of biomass-derived oils present important challenges that need to be addressed. Because of the high oxygen content in biomass derived oils, such as pyrolysis oil, both acidity and heating values are lower than conventional oils derived from fluid catalytic cracking, such as diesel and petrol. Subsequent deoxygenation steps can take place over acid zeolite catalysts. This process typically takes place in so-called riser reactors where the ‘crude’ bio-oil is atomized to achieve large surface area to allow for fast evaporation and extensive contact with the zeolite catalyst.

To model this process, detailed multiphase computational fluid dynamic (MCFD) methods are needed. To create this MCFD model, the currently available DSMC model (Pawar et al., 2014) will be combined with a gas-solid CFD model (Carlos Varas et al., 2017). In addition, combined heat and mass transfer should be included in the MCFD model.

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