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EUBCE 2026 - Simon FRIDOLFSSON - Comparative Experimental Study on Biocrude Upgrading Strategies

Comparative Experimental Study on Biocrude Upgrading Strategies

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Innovation in advanced processes for biofuels production: materials, mechanisms, and performances (part 1)

Comparative Experimental Study on Biocrude Upgrading Strategies

Short Introductive summary

Through hydrothermal liquefaction (HTL) wet biomass can be directly converted into biocrude; a thick, black, and energy rich liquid somewhat similar fossil crude oil. Biocrude does however need additional treatment before it can be a feasible replacement for fossil crude due to its high heteroatom content, viscosity, corrosive properties, and tendency for coke formation. Although studies on biocrude upgrading are increasing in frequency, it is still an underrepresented field in comparison to studies covering its production. The outcomes of biocrude upgrading is heavily dependent on the original feedstock and the process parameters of the HTL. This makes comparisons between upgrading studies difficult as the properties of the precursors vary. Therefore, this study will compare multiple upgrading technologies on HTL biocrude from a single batch. Several kilograms of biocrude was produced in Aarhus University’s large scale continuous HTL plant. The upgrading techniques covered in the study are solvent extraction, distillation, and continuous catalytic hydrotreating. This will help in determining which pathway is most beneficial depending on the final application of the product.

Presenter

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Simon FRIDOLFSSON

Aarhus University, Biological and Chemical Engineering Dpt., DENMARK

Presenter's biography

I have a MSc in Energy Engineering, Specialized on Thermochemical Conversion of Biomass from Umeå University, Sweden. I worked for 2.5 years in the biogas industry before returning to academia at Aarhus University, Denmark where I am currently a PhD student working on biocrude upgrading.

Biographies and Short introductive summaries are supplied directly by presenters and are published here unedited


Co-authors:

S. Fridolfsson, Aarhus University, DENMARK
P. Biller, Aarhus University, DENMARK

Session reference: 5AV.2.13