Combined hydrothermal liquefaction and catalytic hydrothermal gasification system and process for conversion of biomass feedstocks
A combined hydrothermal liquefaction (HTL) and catalytic hydrothermal gasification (CHG) system and process are described that convert various biomass-containing sources into separable bio-oils and aqueous effluents that contain residual organics. Bio-oils may be converted to useful bio-based fuels and other chemical feedstocks. Residual organics in HTL aqueous effluents may be gasified and converted into medium-BTU product gases and directly used for process heating or to provide energy.
1. A continuous process, comprising the steps of:
providing a biomass conversion product comprising a bio oil fraction and an aqueous fraction, wherein each fraction is separable from the other fraction;
continuously separating the bio oil fraction from the aqueous fraction by coalescing bio oil droplets, wherein said coalescence takes place at a temperature from ambient to about 360° C. and a pressure between about 100 atm and 210 atm; and
converting at least a portion of the aqueous fraction to a product gas containing a fuel gas.
2. The process of claim 1 , further comprising removing solids from the biomass conversion product.
3. The process of claim 1 , further comprising combusting the product gas to generate power.
4. The process of claim 1 , wherein the product gas comprises one or more of methane, hydrocarbons with a carbon number greater than that of methane, and carbon dioxide.
5. The process of claim 1 , wherein the continuously separating is performed in a self-cleaning apparatus.
6. The process of claim 1 , wherein the continuously separating is performed within a closed stage apparatus.