Biocrude suitability for petroleum refineries

Technologies are now being developed that could produce crude oil from biomass, making available an alternative fuel source as petroleum supplies dwindle and prices rise. If the existing infrastructure for transporting and refining petroleum could be used for biocrude, the transition from petroleum would be smoother and less costly. This report examines the suitability of the existing systems for transporting biocrude and processing it into gasoline. Available biomass production areas were identified and potential production was estimated. Production areas with the potential to supply conversion plants were then matched with transportation paths and refinery locations to minimize transportation costs. Technical requirements for treating biocrude were examined, based on its expected chemical composition and physical properties, and compared to existing refinery equipment and capacity. Environmental constraints were taken into account at each step. Although biomass-derived oils could be transported to refineries the existing refinery equipment is not optimal for upgrading these oils to a gasoline-grade product. Furthermore, existing hydrogen production capacity is grossly inadequate for upgrading substantial volumes of biocrude. Partial or total upgrading at conversion facilities or regional upgrading facilities is discussed briefly, but in-depth evaluation of such options is beyond the scope of this study. 82 refs., 26 figs.,more » 35 tabs.« less