[Terrapreta] advanced biomass pyrolysis

[Tom Miles]

These processes typically have an oil yield of about 70% and a char yield of
about 12%. The offgas is used in the process. 
 
It would be useful for forest restoration if we could build plants in the
50-100 tpd (dry fuel input) size. That matches the amount of biomass
available from thinning and fuel reduction programs. At current heating oil
prices (USD3/gal ~ USD 1.80/gal bio-oil) I estimate that the producer needs
about $200/ton for the char to make the process economic.
 
Can the agronomic value of the char justify a price of USD $200/ton? 
 
Currently our horticultural and grass seed producers in the Willamette
Valley (Oregon, USA) buy activated carbon for USD 1200/ton. Activation
increases the cost of the cahr and reduces the yield from biomass to about
6%. I suspect that activation is not required when char is used as a soil
amendment or for growth enhancement in the same way as it is for chemical
absorption.
 
Erich has compiled a good list of pyrolysis technology developers in his
post:
http://terrapreta.bioenergylists.org/knightcarbon 
which we have duplicated at:
http://terrapreta.bioenergylists.org/company 
Dynamotive licensee, Renewable Oil Corporation, Pyt should be added to the
list. 
http://www.renoil.com.au/about.html
 
I have heard that a 50 tpd plant that is to be demonstrated in Canada is
expected to cost $2 million. A 100 tpd plant might cost $3.5 million. The
larger capacity plants (Dynamotive, Ensyn) cost several times that. I
understand that these technology developers haven't done much yet on the
development of char uses and markets. 
 
Tom    
 
  

 
  _____  

From: terrapreta-bounces at bioenergylists.org
[mailto:terrapreta-bounces at bioenergylists.org] On Behalf Of Kelpie Wilson
Sent: Monday, January 22, 2007 11:21 AM
To: terrapreta at bioenergylists.org
Subject: [Terrapreta] advanced biomass pyrolysis


Here is an interesting report of a biomass project using pyrolysis and char
to formulate different fuels: 

http://www.renewableenergyaccess.com/rea/news/story;jsessionid=A8382B516A5F1
71047FEF688571DC280?id=47183 

January 22, 2007
Dynamotive Launches Higher Energy Content Renewable Biofuel
Vancouver, British Columbia [RenewableEnergyAccess.com]

Dynamotive Energy Systems Corp. introduced Intermediate BioOil, which it
says is a higher energy grade of BioOil aimed as an alternative fuel for the
intermediate and heavy fuel oil markets and as a higher energy source for
production of synfuels from biomass.

"Dynamotive's BioOil and Intermediate BioOil can be used in burners,
furnaces, and the BioOil also in gas turbines. By varying the carbon
content, customers requiring higher thermal outputs can now have a renewable
fuel choice to meet their needs and reduce costs."

-- Andrew Kingston, Dynamotive, president and CEO
The fuel was developed at Dynamotive's West Lorne facility and has undergone
combustion, emission and certification tests throughout 2006.

Intermediate BioOil's heat output averages 14% higher than the company's
standard BioOil. Developed to compete functionally and on price-performance
with commonly used industrial fuels such as No. 2 and No. 6 heating oil, it
is a blend of 80% BioOil and 20% char ground to under 8 microns. Both BioOil
and char are produced simultaneously during Dynamotive's proprietary
fast-pyrolysis process, which creates a usable source of energy from
cellulosic biomass.

Intermediate BioOil produced at West Lorne recently received EcoLogo
certification, having met stringent environmental criteria for industrial
fuels as measured by Environment Canada's Environmental Choice Program.

Dynamotive President and CEO Andrew Kingston stated, "Dynamotive's BioOil
and Intermediate BioOil can be used in burners, furnaces, and the BioOil
also in gas turbines. By varying the carbon content, customers requiring
higher thermal outputs can now have a renewable fuel choice to meet their
needs and reduce costs."

Dynamotive disclosed that this fuel grade can be produced at its new Guelph,
Ontario, plant and the company will seek certification for fuel from this
plant once it is in operation. Construction is expected by spring. The new
200-ton-per-day plant, located about 40 miles west of Toronto, is the
company's second BioOil plant in the province.



Kelpie Wilson
www.kelpiewilson.com <http://www.kelpiewilson.com/> 

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or other online booksellers or ask your local bookstore to carry it. Primal
Tears is distributed by Publishers Group West. More information at my
website www.kelpiewilson.com <http://www.kelpiewilson.com/> 



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