Biocrude oil production via hydrothermal liquefaction of food waste in a simplified high-throughput reactor

In this study, the hydrothermal liquefaction of food waste was investigated for generating bio-oils or biocrudes using a simplified high-throughput reactor. Different operating conditions were parametrically tested for obtaining maximum yield of biocrudes at temperatures from 280 to 340 degrees C and sample-to-water mixture ratios from 1:3 to 1:7, with 30 min residence time. The biocrude yields were found to increase significantly with increasing temperature and mixture ratio. A maximum biocrude yield of approximately 40% w/w dry basis (from a total liquid product yield of over 56% w/w) and energy recovery of over 70% were obtained at 340 degrees C and a mixture ratio of 1:7. High heating values of the resulting biocrude and solid residue were remarkably better than those of the raw material. Fatty acids, amides, N-containing compounds, and cyclic ketones were identified to be the main components of the biocrudes using advanced GCxGC/TOF-MS.

Automated summary

The study found that increasing temperature and mixture ratio significantly increases the yield of biocrudes in hydrothermal liquefaction, with the best results achieved at 340 degrees C and a 1:7 mixture ratio. The high heating values of the biocrude and solid residue were significantly better than those of the raw material, and the main components of the biocrudes were identified as fatty acids, amides, N-containing compounds, and cyclic ketones using advanced GCxGC/TOF-MS technology.