Physical and Simulated Distillation of Oxygen-Rich Biocrudes

The presence of oxygenated compounds within wood-derived biocrudes was determined to affect standard physical and simulated distillation (SD). Biocrude thermal reactivity made physical distillation challenging, which was deemed better suited for partially upgraded, i.e., deoxygenated biocrudes. Gas chromatography SD was determined to be affected by oxygenates' elution and their burning properties in flame ionization detectors. Correction factors were developed and verified for matching SD with physical distillation. Corrected simulated distillation was found better suitable for process monitoring despite the existence of CS2 insoluble biocrude fractions (standard solvent for SD), which were determined to partition into both distillable and residua fractions, thus further challenging the interpretation of SD results.

Automated summary

The presence of oxygenated compounds affects both physical and simulated distillation of wood-derived biocrudes. Physical distillation is challenging due to the biocrude's thermal reactivity, making it better suited for partially upgraded, deoxygenated biocrudes. Gas chromatography simulated distillation is affected by the elution and burning properties of oxygenates, requiring correction factors to align it with physical distillation. Despite the challenges of insoluble biocrude fractions, corrected simulated distillation is found to be more suitable for process monitoring.