<br/>Conversion of biomass into renewable fuels and chemicals proceeds typically through either biochemical or thermochemical means. Among the latter technology, fast pyrolysis converts biomass into a crude liquid product (bio-oil) that is rich in fuel precursor compounds. Previously, we demonstrated that advanced pyrolysis processes (e.g. tail-gas reactive pyrolysis (TGRP), catalytic fast pyrolysis) produce bio-oils that are partially deoxygenated. Subsequently, these oils undergo facile separations processes like distillation and extraction, producing a hydrocarbon-rich fraction and a phenolic-rich fraction. Phenol and cresol can be isolated in relatively high concentrations (~20 wt%). We also demonstrated continuous distillation through flash distillation; extraction experiments until now have only occurred within a batch context.<br/><br/>In this talk, we detail our method for the continuous processing of phenol extraction from advanced pyrolysis bio-oils. The setup consists of a Vigreux-style column as part of a countercurrent flow system. Bio-oil distillates enter the column from the bottom end pumping upward, while concentrated NaOH is injected from the top using a syringe pump. This setup allows for the precipitation and settling of sodium phenoxides (extract), which exit from the bottom of the column. The hydrocarbon-rich phase (raffinate) exited from the top and was analyzed for hydrocarbon content. Concentrations of phenol and cresol were correlated and compared with analogous batch experiments, wherein the extracts were optimized based on the oil-to-base ratio.

Isolation of bio-oil phenol and cresols through a continuous extraction process

2019 Fall National Meeting

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