EUBCE 2026 - Andreas APFELBACHER - Interplay of Temperature and Pressure on Product Distribution in the Catalytic Hydrogenation of Biowaste Oil

Interplay of Temperature and Pressure on Product Distribution in the Catalytic Hydrogenation of Biowaste Oil

Short Introductive summary

This study investigates the interactive effects of temperature (350–390°C) and pressure (80–120 bar) on the yield and product distribution of hydrogenated (TCR®) bio-oil derived from biowaste. The hydrogenation process was carried out under fixed hydrogen flow and feed rates, with variations in the key operating parameters, namely, temperature and pressure. The product streams comprising oil, aqueous, and gas fractions were quantitatively analyzed, and qualitative evaluation was performed using Fourier-Transform Infrared Spectroscopy (FTIR) and elemental analysis. A comprehensive mass balance was performed to assess the efficiency of the reaction. The results revealed a synergistic interaction between temperature and pressure, with optimal combinations enhancing the liquid oil yield while minimizing undesired gas production. These findings offer critical insights into process optimization and scalability, contributing to the development of efficient hydrogenation techniques for upgrading bio-oils.

I.T. Suleiman, Fraunhofer Institute for Environmental Safety and Energy technology., Sulzbach-Rosenberg, GERMANY
T.E. Mueller, Ruhr University, Bochum, GERMANY
A. Apfelbacher, Fraunhofer Institute for Environmental Safety and Energy technology., Sulzbach-Rosenberg, GERMANY
S. Holz, Fraunhofer Institute for Environmental Safety and Energy technology., Sulzbach-Rosenberg, GERMANY
R. Daschner, Fraunhofer Institute for Environmental Safety and Energy technology., Sulzbach-Rosenberg, GERMANY