BIOFUEL · Biofuels from Solid Wastes

The proposed project consisted of three parts. Various types of lignocellulosic biomasses and common used plastics will be used for production of fuels. In the first part, production of bio-oil from lignocellulosic biomasses will be carried out by one-step and two-step pyrolysis systems. The commercial and labor made catalysts will be used in two-step pyrolysis. For each selected lignocellulosic biomasses, the variance of the composition of bio-oil obtained from pyrolysis will be characterized from the point of the composition and fuel characteristics. In the second part, mixtures containing biomasses and plastic materials of different origin will thermally degraded in order to obtain valuable products such as gases, liquids or carbonaceous residue. Various methods (one-step or two-steps processes) and catalysts will be tested to increase the quality of degradation products from biomass/plastic mixtures. The composition and properties of the upgraded degradation products will be determined to identify their possible utilization. In the last part of proposed project a detailed investigation of catalytic gasification of biomass/plastics and biomass-derived tar will be performed using steam as a gasification agent in the temperature range of 600-900 ºC. Iron-oxide (in-lab-made) and dolomite and red-mud will be used as catalysts. The products of gasification will be characterized with GC-TCD, GC-FID and GC-MS. As conclusion, this project brings together a very strong team proposing solutions to energy and environmental problems. The different techniques for production of bio-fuel and chemicals from biomass and plastic wastes as renewable sources will be investigated. Bio-fuel (gas or liquid) will help to meet the government target for bio-fuel production (EC Directive 2003/30) and co-pyrolysis and co-gasification of plastic with biomass will help to meet the government target for Packaging Waste (Directive 94/62/EC).