Abstract
In the context of alternative sources of energy, many routes have been explored for using biomass. Direct combustion remains the most energy efficient use of biomass but liquids, rather than solids or gases, are preferred. Liquids have many advantages: high energy density, easy storage, handling and transportation and flexibility of use. Nevertheless, these liquids present some unwanted characteristics such as high viscosity, acidity, particulates content and chemical instability. Some upgrading is necessary before utilisation, specially for feeding turbines or internal combustion engines. Three different types of upgrading can be envisioned: physical, chemical/catalytic and the recovery of chemicals. Physical methods such as those to improve viscosity, offer potentially low cost steps which can be applied when the oil is used as soon as produced. The more expensive chemical/catalytic processes offer long term stabilisation and a range of improvement extending to high quality products. This paper reviews the main characteristics of the flash pyrolysis oils, their influence during the utilisation step and the possible solution to overcome this situation. The most important upgrading methods, both physical and chemical/catalytic, are summarised.
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Maggi, R.E., Elliott, D.C. (1997). Upgrading Overview. In: Bridgwater, A.V., Boocock, D.G.B. (eds) Developments in Thermochemical Biomass Conversion. Springer, Dordrecht. https://doi.org/10.1007/978-94-009-1559-6_45
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DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/978-94-009-1559-6_45
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