Title:
Recovery of Alcohols in Aqueous Stream from Stabilized Pyrolysis Oil Process
Author(s):
Trinh, T., Gilardi, M., Wittgens, B.
Document(s):
Paper
Abstract:
The aqueous phase derived from Stabilized Pyrolysis Oil (SPO) and Stabilized Deoxygenated Pyrolysis Oil (SDPO) contains a complex mixture of water and valuable organics such as methanol, ethanol, and acetic acid. The recovery of these compounds represents a promising route for the valorization of pyrolysis side-streams. This study presents the simulation and optimization of a distillation system designed to recover light alcohols from aqueous streams derived from SPO and SDPO. Using a re-parametrized Non-Random Two-Liquid (NRTL) thermodynamic model implemented in COCO process simulation, a four-column distillation system was designed to selectively recover methanol and ethanol with purities of 99.99 wt% and 92.5 wt%, respectively, at high recovery rates (>95 %). Acetic acid recovery, though technically feasible, was found economically infeasible due to excessive energy demand. The study demonstrates the viability of valorizing pyrolysis aqueous phases through energy-optimized separation schemes.
Keywords:
process design, SPO aqueous, SDPO aqueous, COCO process simulation, NRTL model
Topic:
Biomass Conversion to Biomaterials and Chemicals
Subtopic:
Co-production of biofuels and biochemicals
Event:
33rd European Biomass Conference and Exhibition
Session:
6BV.10.6
Pages:
1130 - 1135
ISBN:
978-88-89407-25-7
Paper DOI:
10.5071/33rdEUBCE2025-6BV.10.6
Price:
FREE
