Topic

In near future it is intended to establish feasible fuel technologies, which could use a broader spectrum of potential feedstock to produce biodiesel and bioethanol. With its application range the project shall unlock the untapped potential of waste vegetable oils and fats to produce value-added fuel fractions.

Aims

The aim of the project is to develop methods to convert different plant-based oil and waste vegetable fat into liquid fuels. The new fuels shall, alongside with lignocellulotic BLT-fuels, broaden the spectrum of available biofuels. In addition, initial studies focused on the conversion into gaseous hydrocarbons are carried out. Overall the research work targets at developing catalytic cracking towards a vital contribution to a sustainable and reliable German biomass strategy.

Measures

Catalytic cracking using micro- and mesoporous catalysts is a process to directly transform vegetable and animal oils and greases as well as their derivates in oxygen-free hydrocarbon mixtures. The project work is based upon the “greasoline” technology, which is patented in 12 European states. The greasoline process produces petrol and diesel fuel fractions by catalytic cracking over an activated carbon catalyst. In a first work package, the vegetable and animal fats and oils will be screened regarding their potential for the conversion into bio-based, fluid fuels and gaseous hydrocarbons. Afterwards, specific conversion process will be set up for the promising materials in lab scale. Finally, pilot-plant conversion (3 litres input per hour) of selected feedstock materials will prepare the design of future production-scale plants. The fluid products shall match the chemical composition of conventional fossil petrol and diesel fuels as far as possible.

More informations

European Biofuels Technology Platform
Project homepage greasoline®