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Biomass to liquid (BtL or BMtL) is a multi-step process of producing synthetic hydrocarbon fuels made from biomass via a thermochemical route.^[1]

Main processes

According to a study done by the U.S. Department of Agriculture and the Department of Energy, the United States can produce at least 1.3 billion tons of cellulosic biomass each year without decreasing the amount of biomass needed for food, animal feed, or exports.^[2]

Fischer–Tropsch process

The Fischer–Tropsch process is used to produce synfuels from gasified biomass. Carbonaceous material is gasified and the gas is processed to make purified syngas (a mixture of carbon monoxide and hydrogen). The Fischer–Tropsch polymerizes syngas into diesel-range hydrocarbons. While biodiesel and bio-ethanol production so far only use parts of a plant, i.e. oil, sugar, starch or cellulose, BtL production can gasify and utilize the entire plant.

Flash pyrolysis

Flash pyrolysis—producing bio-oil (pyrolysis oil), char and gas at temperatures between 350 and 550 °C and residence times < 1 second (also called anhydrous pyrolysis).

Catalytic fast pyrolysis

Catalytic fast pyrolysis is a fast process in which the cellulose is broken down to a liquid biofuel. In this approach the cellulose is heated to 500 degrees Celsius in less than one second in a chamber to break apart the molecules. The catalyst forms chemical reactions that remove oxygen bonds and form carbon rings. After the reaction takes place gasoline is formed along with water, carbon dioxide, and carbon monoxide.^[2]

Pyrolysis and gasification

Initially biomass undergoes pyrolysis process to produce pyrolysis gases and biochar. The volatile organic compounds in pyrolysis gases further undergo gasification process to produce syngas rich in hydrogen and carbon monoxide gases which is further converted in to methanol (CH₃OH).^[3] The carbon neutral biochar is further converted in to ethylene or ethanol with hydrogen generated from renewable electricity or used for carbon sequestration to reduce global warming CO₂ gas in the atmosphere.^{[citation needed]}

Potential energy grasses

Fuel from energy grasses may be referred to as grassoline.^{[citation needed]}

Switchgrass

Switchgrass is a bunch grass native to North America that grows naturally in warm weather with wide adaptation capability and easy germination, allowing the switchgrass to grow faster; however, it has a low relative yield compared to other energy crops^[4]

Sorghum

Sorghum is cultivated in warmer climates, mostly in the tropical regions. Sorghum has the potential to be an energy grass because it requires little water and can give a large yield. Sorghum, however, is an annual plant, is difficult to establish in an area, and requires a large input of fertilizers and pesticides.^[4]

Miscanthus

Miscanthus species are native to the tropical regions of Africa and southern Asia. Miscanthus can grow up to 3.5 meters high and has been trialed as a biofuel since the 1980s. The benefits of using Miscanthus are that it can live more than two years and requires low inputs, eliminating the need for extra irrigation, fertilizer and pesticides. The problems with Miscanthus arise from the time it takes to establish to an area.^[4]

Sugarcane

Sugarcane grows in irrigated lands of tropics and subtropics which can produce 15 kg biomass per square meter area. It is also suitable for BtL as its extracted juice is used to produce ethanol by traditional methods and also its remaining biomass (bagasse, leaves, shoots, etc.) can be converted in to carbon neutral ethanol or methanol by subjecting to pyrolysis and gasification. Biochar can also be produced for carbon sequestration to compensate the carbon emissions by fossil fuels or reduce CO₂ gas concentration in the atmosphere.^{[citation needed]}

Bamboo

Bamboo is one of the fastest growing plant/biomass which can be used as feed stock for BtL. Most bamboo species are native to warm and moist tropical and to warm temperate climates.^[5]^{[better source needed]} However, many species are found in diverse climates, ranging from hot tropical regions to cool mountainous regions and highland cloud forests.^{[citation needed]}

Cost of change

Fuel costs depend on how fast the grasses grow and other factors.^[2] An estimated investment of over $325 billion (2008 basis) would be needed to build biofactories capable of producing the 65 billion gallons of biofuel needed to meet 2030 national goals.^[6]

References

^ "Biomass to liquid term". Archived from the original on 2017-05-13. Retrieved 2016-08-28.
^ ^a ^b ^c George W. Huber and Bruce E. Dale (Jul 2009). "Grassoline at the Pump". Scientific American. Vol. 301. pp. 52–59. doi:10.1038/scientificamerican0709-52.
^ "Renewable Methanol" (PDF). Retrieved 19 December 2020.
^ ^a ^b ^c Dale, Bruce E. "GRASSOLINE IN YOUR TANK: WHY CELLULOSIC ETHANOL IS NEARER THAN YOU THINK" (PDF). Archived from the original (PDF) on 13 November 2013. Retrieved 11 November 2013.
^ Kitsteiner, John (13 January 2014). "Permaculture Plants: Bamboo". tcpermaculture.com. Archived from the original on 31 July 2017. Retrieved 28 July 2017.
^ Dale, B.E. (2008). "Grassoline in Your Tank: Myths and Realities about Biofuels". Microscopy and Microanalysis. 14 (S2): 1484–1485. Bibcode:2008MiMic..14S1484D. doi:10.1017/s1431927608088764. S2CID 136854010.

Khodakov, Andrei Y.; Chu, Wei; Fongarland, Pascal (2007). "Advances in the Development of Novel Cobalt Fischer-Tropsch Catalysts for Synthesis of Long-Chain Hydrocarbons and Clean Fuels". Chemical Reviews. 107 (5): 1692–1744. doi:10.1021/cr050972v. PMID 17488058.

External links

[1] "Biomass to liquid term". Archived from the original on 2017-05-13. Retrieved 2016-08-28.

[Scientific_American-2] George W. Huber and Bruce E. Dale (Jul 2009). "Grassoline at the Pump". Scientific American. Vol. 301. pp. 52–59. doi:10.1038/scientificamerican0709-52.

[3] "Renewable Methanol" (PDF). Retrieved 19 December 2020.

[Grassoline_in_your_Tank:_Why_Cellulosic_Ethanol_is_Nearer_than_you_Think-4] Dale, Bruce E. "GRASSOLINE IN YOUR TANK: WHY CELLULOSIC ETHANOL IS NEARER THAN YOU THINK" (PDF). Archived from the original (PDF) on 13 November 2013. Retrieved 11 November 2013.

[5] Kitsteiner, John (13 January 2014). "Permaculture Plants: Bamboo". tcpermaculture.com. Archived from the original on 31 July 2017. Retrieved 28 July 2017.

[6] Dale, B.E. (2008). "Grassoline in Your Tank: Myths and Realities about Biofuels". Microscopy and Microanalysis. 14 (S2): 1484–1485. Bibcode:2008MiMic..14S1484D. doi:10.1017/s1431927608088764. S2CID 136854010.

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@@ Line 1: / Line 1: @@
-[[File:XIMG 6358 X.jpg|thumb|Btl Diesel]]
+[[File:Biomass to liquid.jpg|thumb|Btl Diesel]]
 '''Biomass to liquid''' ('''BtL''' or '''BMtL''') is a multi-step process of producing synthetic [[hydrocarbon]] fuels made from [[biomass]] via a thermochemical route.<ref>{{Cite web |url=http://www.biofuelstp.eu/btl.html |title=Biomass to liquid term |access-date=2016-08-28 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170513124615/http://www.biofuelstp.eu/btl.html |archive-date=2017-05-13 |url-status=dead }}</ref>
 ==Main processes==
-According to a study done by the [[United States Department of Agriculture|U.S. Department of Agriculture]] and the [[United States Department of Energy|Department of Energy]], the [[United States]] can produce at least 1.3 billion tons of cellulosic [[biomass]] each year without decreasing the amount of biomass needed for our food, animal feed, or exports.<ref name="Scientific American">{{cite magazine|last=[[George W. Huber]] and [[Bruce E. Dale]]|title=Grassoline at the Pump|url=https://www.scientificamerican.com/article/grassoline-biofuels-beyond-corn/|magazine=Scientific American|date=Jul 2009|doi=10.1038/scientificamerican0709-52}}</ref>
+According to a study done by the [[United States Department of Agriculture|U.S. Department of Agriculture]] and the [[United States Department of Energy|Department of Energy]], the [[United States]] can produce at least 1.3 billion tons of cellulosic [[biomass]] each year without decreasing the amount of biomass needed for food, animal feed, or exports.<ref name="Scientific American">{{cite magazine|last=[[George W. Huber]] and [[Bruce E. Dale]]|title=Grassoline at the Pump|url=https://www.scientificamerican.com/article/grassoline-biofuels-beyond-corn/|magazine=Scientific American|date=Jul 2009|volume=301 |pages=52–59 |doi=10.1038/scientificamerican0709-52}}</ref>
 ===Fischer–Tropsch process===
@@ Line 10: / Line 10: @@
 ===Flash pyrolysis===
-Flash [[pyrolysis]]—producing bio-oil ([[pyrolysis oil]]), [[Char (chemistry)|char]] and gas at temperatures between 350–550&nbsp;°C and residence times < 1 second (also called anhydrous pyrolysis).
+Flash [[pyrolysis]]—producing bio-oil ([[pyrolysis oil]]), [[Char (chemistry)|char]] and gas at temperatures between 350 and 550&nbsp;°C and residence times < 1 second (also called anhydrous pyrolysis).
 === Catalytic fast pyrolysis ===
@@ Line 16: / Line 16: @@
 ===Pyrolysis and gasification===
-Initially biomass undergoes [[pyrolysis]] process to produce pyrolysis gases and [[biochar]]. The [[volatile organic compounds]] in pyrolysis gases further undergo [[gasification]] process to produce [[syngas]] rich in [[hydrogen]] and [[carbon monoxide]] gases which is further converted in to [[methanol]] (CH<sub>3</sub>OH).<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.irena.org/-/media/Files/IRENA/Agency/Publication/2021/Jan/IRENA_Innovation_Renewable_Methanol_2021.pdf|title=Renewable Methanol|access-date=19 December 2020}}</ref> The carbon neutral biochar is further converted in to [[ethylene]] or [[ethanol]] with hydrogen generated from renewable electricity or used for [[carbon sequestration]] to reduce global warming CO<sub>2</sub> gas in the atmosphere.{{cn|date=September 2021}}
+Initially biomass undergoes [[pyrolysis]] process to produce pyrolysis gases and [[biochar]]. The [[volatile organic compounds]] in pyrolysis gases further undergo [[gasification]] process to produce [[syngas]] rich in [[hydrogen]] and [[carbon monoxide]] gases which is further converted in to [[methanol]] (CH<sub>3</sub>OH).<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.irena.org/-/media/Files/IRENA/Agency/Publication/2021/Jan/IRENA_Innovation_Renewable_Methanol_2021.pdf|title=Renewable Methanol|access-date=19 December 2020}}</ref> The carbon neutral biochar is further converted in to [[ethylene]] or [[ethanol]] with hydrogen generated from renewable electricity or used for [[carbon sequestration]] to reduce global warming CO<sub>2</sub> gas in the atmosphere.{{citation needed|date=September 2021}}
+==Potential energy grasses==
-=== AFEX treatment ===
+Fuel from energy grasses may be referred to as ''grassoline''.{{Cn|date=November 2024}}
-In the Ammonia Fiber Expansion / Explosion (AFEX) pre-treat process, hot concentrated 15 [[Molar concentration|M]] [[ammonia]] is used to break down sugar molecules, [[cellulose]] and [[hemicellulose]] significantly more efficiently than enzymes. The result is minor biomass degradation with high yields. <ref>{{cite web|last=Dale|first=Bruce E.|title=AFEX Pre-treatment Process Can Reduce Cost of Cellulosic Ethanol|url=http://www.greencarcongress.com/2009/01/afex-pre-treatm.html}}</ref> AFEX is generally done in one step, making it more efficient than other processes.
-===Catalytic depolymerization===
-[[Catalytic]] [[depolymerization]] is the use of heat and catalysts to separate usable diesel fuel from [[hydrocarbon]] wastes.
-=== Regional Biomass Processing Center ===
-Regional Biomass Processing Center is a conceptual place where the AFEX treated biomass can go to biorefineries, farms and forests, and animal feeders. This will improve the value of cellulosic biomass for animals and [[biofuel]] production. This will reduce the density of the [[biomass]] for easier transport, simplify contract issues, and increase the land use for [[biofuel]]s
-The process uses the whole plant to improve the [[carbon dioxide]] balance and increase yield.
-==Potential energy grasses==
-Fuel from energy grasses may be referred to as ''grassoline''.
 === Switchgrass ===
 [[Panicum virgatum|Switchgrass]] is a [[bunch grass]] native to North America that grows naturally in warm weather with wide adaptation capability and easy [[germination]], allowing the switchgrass to grow faster; however, it has a low relative yield compared to other energy crops<ref name="Grassoline in your Tank: Why Cellulosic Ethanol is Nearer than you Think">{{cite web|last=Dale|first=Bruce E.|title=GRASSOLINE IN YOUR TANK: WHY CELLULOSIC ETHANOL IS NEARER THAN YOU THINK|url=http://old.nwm.org/downloads/grassolineinyourtankdrbrucedale.pdf|accessdate=11 November 2013|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20131113022442/http://old.nwm.org/downloads/grassolineinyourtankdrbrucedale.pdf|archive-date=13 November 2013|url-status=dead}}</ref>
@@ Line 41: / Line 31: @@
 ===Sugarcane===
-''[[Sugarcane]]'' grows in irrigated lands of tropics and [[subtropics]] which can produce 15 kg biomass per square meter area. It is also suitable for BtL as its extracted juice is used to produce ethanol by traditional methods and also its remaining biomass (bagasse, leaves, shoots, etc) can be converted in to carbon neutral [[ethanol]] or [[methanol]] by subjecting to [[pyrolysis]] and [[gasification]]. [[Biochar]] can also be produced for [[carbon sequestration]] to compensate the carbon emissions by fossil fuels or reduce CO<sub>2</sub> gas concentration in the atmosphere.{{cn|date=August 2021}}
+''[[Sugarcane]]'' grows in irrigated lands of tropics and [[subtropics]] which can produce 15&nbsp;kg biomass per square meter area. It is also suitable for BtL as its extracted juice is used to produce ethanol by traditional methods and also its remaining biomass (bagasse, leaves, shoots, etc.) can be converted in to carbon neutral [[ethanol]] or [[methanol]] by subjecting to [[pyrolysis]] and [[gasification]]. [[Biochar]] can also be produced for [[carbon sequestration]] to compensate the carbon emissions by fossil fuels or reduce CO<sub>2</sub> gas concentration in the atmosphere.{{citation needed|date=August 2021}}
 === Bamboo ===
-Bamboo is one of the fastest growing plant/biomass which can be used as feed stock for BtL.<ref>{{cite web |website=Guinness World Records |url=http://www.guinnessworldrecords.com/records-3000/fastest-growing-plant/ |title=Fastest growing plant |access-date=20 May 2021 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140903081941/http://www.guinnessworldrecords.com/records-3000/fastest-growing-plant |archive-date=3 September 2014}}</ref> Most bamboo species are native to warm and moist tropical and to warm temperate climates.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://tcpermaculture.com/site/2014/01/13/permaculture-plants-bamboo/ |title=Permaculture Plants: Bamboo |first=John |last=Kitsteiner |date=13 January 2014 |access-date=28 July 2017 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170731051114/http://tcpermaculture.com/site/2014/01/13/permaculture-plants-bamboo/ |archive-date=31 July 2017|website=tcpermaculture.com}}</ref> However, many species are found in diverse climates, ranging from hot tropical regions to cool mountainous regions and highland [[cloud forests]].
+Bamboo is one of the fastest growing plant/biomass which can be used as feed stock for BtL. Most bamboo species are native to warm and moist tropical and to warm temperate climates.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://tcpermaculture.com/site/2014/01/13/permaculture-plants-bamboo/ |title=Permaculture Plants: Bamboo |first=John |last=Kitsteiner |date=13 January 2014 |access-date=28 July 2017 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170731051114/http://tcpermaculture.com/site/2014/01/13/permaculture-plants-bamboo/ |archive-date=31 July 2017|website=tcpermaculture.com}}</ref>{{Better source|date=November 2024}} However, many species are found in diverse climates, ranging from hot tropical regions to cool mountainous regions and highland [[cloud forests]].{{Cn|date=November 2024}}
 == Cost of change ==
-Fuel costs depend on how fast the grasses grow and other factors.<ref name="Scientific American"/> An estimated investment of over $325 billion (2008 basis) would be needed to build [[biofactories]] capable of producing the 65 billion gallons of biofuel needed to meet 2030 national goals.<ref>{{cite journal|last=Dale|first=B.E.|title=Grassoline in Your Tank: Myths and Realities about Biofuels|journal=Microscopy and Microanalysis|year=2008|pages=1484–1485|doi=10.1017/s1431927608088764|volume=14}}</ref>
+Fuel costs depend on how fast the grasses grow and other factors.<ref name="Scientific American"/> An estimated investment of over $325 billion (2008 basis) would be needed to build [[biofactories]] capable of producing the 65 billion gallons of biofuel needed to meet 2030 national goals.<ref>{{cite journal|last=Dale|first=B.E.|title=Grassoline in Your Tank: Myths and Realities about Biofuels|journal=Microscopy and Microanalysis|year=2008|pages=1484–1485|doi=10.1017/s1431927608088764|volume=14|issue=S2 |bibcode=2008MiMic..14S1484D |s2cid=136854010 }}</ref>
 ==See also==