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*STTR Project: Production of Home Heating Oils and Upgraded Bio‑oils by Aqueous‑Phase Catalytic Processing of Bio‑oils Produced from Fast Pyrolysis of Woody Biomass--Renewable Oil International LLC, 3115 Northington Court, Suite 145, Florence, AL 35630; 256‑740‑5634

Mr. Phillip Charles Badger, Principal Investigator, pbadger@renewableoil.com

Ms. Bonnie Badger, Business Official, bbadger@bioenergyupdate.com

DOE Grant No. DE‑FG02‑07ER86324

Amount: $99,979

Research Institution

University of Massachusetts‑Amherst

Bio-oils produced from fast pyrolysis of cellulosic biomass are a promising option to produce renewable liquid fuels from sustainable, domestically produced biomass-resources. However, bio-oils must be upgraded if they are to be used as home heating oil, or as replacements for gasoline and diesel fuel. This project will develop technology for upgrading bio-oils by aqueous-phase hydrogenation and aqueous-phase processing. In Phase I, the bio-oils will be characterized by NMR, GC, GCMS, and viscosity measurements. Preliminary combustion studies for mixtures of bio-oils with home heating oil will be performed. A preliminary economic analysis of aqueous-phase hydrogenation will be conducted.

Commercial Applications and other Benefits as described by the awardee: The upgraded bio-oils would be sent to a petroleum refinery or mixed with home heating oil. Upgraded bio-oil products should be able to replace petroleum-derived products such as home heating oil, gasoline, and diesel fuel.