(143c) Process Development and Demonstration of Biomass to Liquid (BTL) Fuels Via Gasification and Catalytic Conversion

Biomass like wood chips, switchgrass and other plant residues are first converted to syngas through gasification process using air, oxygen or steam. A downdraft gasifier is performed for syngas production in Mississippi State. The syngas from the gasifier contains about 20% H₂, 20% CO, 11% CO₂, and 49% N₂. In addition to the gases listed above, the bio-syngas also contains some tars, ammonia, H₂S, and particulates as impurities. Bio-syngas has to be polished prior to CO hydrogenation to liquid fuels. The purpose of the work is to catalytic upgrade cleaning syngas to higher hydrocarbons and value-added chemicals. A series of catalysts have been developed to produce gasoline, diesel, jet fuels, olefins, higher alcohols and esters. Current work successfully demonstrates the process of biomass to liquid (BTL) fuels via gasification and catalytic conversion.