An Integrated Design of Hydrothermal Liquefaction and Biogas Plant For The Conversion of Feedstock (Biomass) To Biofuel

Abstract

A study of low quality biomass conversion to high quality diesel like fuel is studied in aspen simulation. The simulation is carried out in four section i.e. biogas plant, hydrothermal liquefaction unit (HTL), hydrogen producing unit (HPU), upgrading unit (UU). The primary goal of this project is to derive a conceptual design of the plant and estimate the feasibility of the process. In this process, biomass gets converted to biogas and digestate in biogas plant. The biogas is sent to HPU and digestate is sent to HTL unit where it is converted to biocrude under high temperature and high pressure. In HPU, Methane steam recovery is done to produce Hydrogen which is used for reforming biocrude to high quality diesel, i.e. biofuel. An input of 1000 kg/hr biomass provides approximately 30-38 kg/hr biofuel and 38-61 kg/hr biogas. . In the period of hydrogen producing unit the effect of different parameters including temperature, pressure and ratio of steam to gas was investigated. Higher flow rate of steam is favorable for hydrogen yield. Increasing the temperature above 700ºC increases the hydrogen yield and higher pressure decreases the hydrogen yield.