Optimizing Process Conditions during Catalytic Fast Pyrolysis of Pine with Pt/TiO2-Improving the Viability of a Multiple-Fixed-Bed Configuration

Catalytic fast pyrolysis (CFP) has been identified as a promising pathway for the production of renewable fuels and co-products. However, continued technology development is needed to increase process efficiency and reduce process costs. This report builds upon previous research in which a bifunctional metal-acid Pt/TiO2 catalyst was utilized in a fixed-bed reactor operated with co-fed H-2 to improve product yield and reduce coke generation compared to conventional CFP methods. Here, we report further process optimization, in which we achieved similar CFP oil carbon efficiency (>35%) and CFP oil oxygen content (<20 wt %) to our previous report while reducing catalyst and equipment costs by increasing time-on-stream between regenerations by 40-95% and decreasing required regeneration time by more than a factor of 2. These process improvements were achieved by conducting parameter sweeps to determine optimum conditions for CFP and regeneration with key variables including pyrolysis temperature, catalytic upgrading temperature, hydrogen partial pressure, and regeneration oxygen concentration. Coupled with comprehensive oil analyses, these data provide foundational insight into the deoxygenation and coking chemistries for CFP under realistic process conditions while also advancing the technology through applied engineering.

Automated summary

Catalytic fast pyrolysis (CFP) with a bifunctional metal-acid catalyst and co-fed H-2 gas has improved product yield and reduced coke generation. Further process optimization includes extending time-on-stream, reducing required regeneration time, and lowering catalyst and equipment costs.