WO2023184001A1 - Oily biofuel suspension and method for manufacturing same - Google Patents

Abstract

The present invention relates to oily biofuel suspensions with biocarbon in their composition. The present invention provides an oily biofuel suspension comprising 50% by mass micronised biocarbon and 50-95% by mass oil. The oily biofuel suspension according to the present invention is better suited to existing, commercially available internal combustion engines with compression (diesel type), dispensing with greater retrofitting outlays of same. Moreover, the oily biofuel composition according to the present invention is highly sustainable and has an energy volumetric density and viscosity comparable to those of the existing, commercially available liquid fossil fuels.

Description

BIOFUEL OIL SUSPENSION, AND THE SAME MANUFACTURING PROCESS

FIELD OF INVENTION

[001] The present invention is related to fuels. More specifically, the present invention is related to biofuel oily suspensions that employ solid biocarbon in their composition.

BASICS OF THE INVENTION

[002] Internal combustion engines are of great industrial use covering segments such as machine movement, cogeneration and transport, covering a wide range of capacities. They are applied in different modes of transport, in large, medium and small machines, in the naval, railway and road sectors. Compression-burning internal combustion engines, commonly called diesel engines, in honor of Rudolph Diesel, their inventor, are of great relevance.

[003] Compression internal combustion engines usually use fossil liquid fuels from petroleum distillation. In general, for large engines, higher viscosity fuels called heavy fuel oil (HFO - Heavy Fuel Oil or HFOLS - Heavy Fuel Oil Low Sulphur), normally called bunker oil, are used, and for medium and small engines they are used. lower viscosity fuels were used, called diesel oil and gas oil.

[004] Although the fossil fuels mentioned above are currently in widespread use, the world is rapidly moving towards changing the energy matrix, which will imply an agenda of bold commitments towards an economy with zero carbon emissions. To achieve this goal of reducing Greenhouse Gases - GHGs in the transport sector, countries will have to simultaneously adopt a set of measures. Biofuels are among the main protagonists in reducing carbon emissions in the transport sector in several countries.

[005] As an example, the European Union (EU) recently launched a bold plan to reduce GGE emissions by at least 55% by 2030, known as the “Fit for 55” Package. , which will help member countries achieve the objective of a carbon neutral EU by 2050, in accordance with the Paris Agreement. The plan includes the transport sectors including aviation and maritime - currently responsible for almost 40% of all emissions. The commitment of these modes to the goals assumed will be fundamental for the European continent to achieve a rapid reduction in CO2 emissions.

[006] Additionally, it is proposed to ban the use of conventional diesel, gasoline, gas, or even hybrid technology, in new vehicles by 2035, creating a space for electric or biodiesel-powered vehicles.

[007] In this scenario, which is gradually spreading throughout the world, biodiesel plays a very important role in providing an energy alternative to entirely fossil fuel, as it generally contains raw materials of vegetable origin in its composition, such as oils. soybeans, cotton, castor beans, sunflower, babassu, peanuts, palm oil, etc.

[008] In addition to the conventional biodiesel composition previously described, recent studies show the possibility of using coal, especially of mineral origin, in micronized form (particle size less than 50 pm) mixed with a liquid, such as water, forming an aqueous suspension .

[009] However, the use of micronized mineral coal for the manufacture of aqueous suspensions still faces several technical barriers to its practical application, as its physical-chemical properties (calorific value, viscosity and inorganic content) differ from those of fuels. used today, which requires adaptations to the engines currently on the market.

[0010] Furthermore, solid coal has a hydrophobic chemical nature, which makes its stability difficult when mixed with water. Another relevant point is that experimental results show that the calorific value of the aqueous coal suspension, and therefore, the energy density, is considerably lower than that of fuels currently on the market.

[0011] Finally, the presence of inorganics in the composition of micronized carbons used in state-of-the-art biofuels commonly generate problems of fouling and wear due to abrasion of internal engine components.

[0012] In the context of seeking sustainability in production processes, biomass pyrolysis technology has been recognized by the technical and scientific community as a powerful tool for transforming biomass into new products such as charcoal, syngas synthesis gas') and liquids such as tar and pyroligneous extract. Precisely to characterize the biomass pyrolysis process carried out rigorously under aspects of operational safety and respect for the environment, charcoal began to receive other names in the literature such as biochar or biocarbon. This last term is what will be adopted in this invention to designate the solid product obtained from biomass pyrolysis.

[0013] The proposed invention solves the prior art problems described above in a simple and efficient way.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

[0014] The present invention has as its first objective to provide a biocarbon-based biofuel oily suspension better adapted to compression internal combustion engines currently on the market, dispensing with major adaptations to them. [0015] The present invention has as a second objective to provide an oily biofuel suspension based on highly sustainable biocarbon and with calorific value, energy density and viscosity compared to fuels currently present on the market.

[0016] In order to achieve the objectives described above, the present invention provides an oily biofuel suspension, comprising 5 to 50% by mass of micronized biocarbon and 50 to 95% by mass of suspension base liquid.

[0017] The invention also provides a process for manufacturing the aforementioned biofuel oily suspension comprising the steps of (i) micronizing biocarbon to a maximum diameter of 50 pm and (ii) mixing 5 to 50% by mass of micronized biocarbon to 50 pm 95% by mass of suspension base liquid.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF FIGURES

[0018] The detailed description presented below refers to the attached figure and their respective reference numbers.

[0019] Figure 1 illustrates a schematic diagram of the interaction between the various molecules around a biocarbon particle in the biofuel oily suspension of the present invention.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0020] Preliminarily, it should be noted that the following description will start from preferred embodiments of the invention. As will be evident to anyone skilled in the art, however, the invention is not limited to these particular embodiments.

[0021] The present invention therefore provides an oily biofuel suspension, comprising 5 to 50% by mass of micronized biocarbon and 50 to 95% by mass of the liquid base of the suspension. For the purposes of this description, micronized biocarbon is understood as any charcoal of vegetable origin, produced according to sustainable standards, with a diameter maximum 50 order. Preferably, this biocarbon has a low inorganic content (less than 1%).

[0022] Preferably, the liquid base of the aforementioned suspension is at least one of (i) bunker oil (also known as HFO - Heavy Fuel Oil), (ii) marine diesel oil (MDO - Marine Diesel OR or MGO - Marine Gasoil), (iii) hydrotreated vegetable oil (HVO - Hydrotreated Vegetable OR), (iv) hydrotreated pyrolysis oil (HPO - Hydrotreated Pyrolysis OR), and (v) vegetable tar (also called PO - Pyrolysis Oil or English Pyrolysis OR).

[0023] More preferably, the liquid base of the suspension used in the present invention can be a mixture of at least two of the above-mentioned oils in suitable proportions to generate a biofuel with viscosity and energy density equivalent to fuel oils found on the market.

[0024] In a first embodiment of the present invention, the following composition is used:

5 to 50% by mass of micronized biocarbon;

50 to 95% by mass of bunker oil; It is

0 to 30% marine diesel oil or gas oil.

[0025] In this first embodiment, biocarbon is mixed with bunker oil. The engineering of large combustion engines is already prepared to operate with a viscosity typical of bunker oil. Naturally, as solid biocarbon particles are introduced into the suspension, its viscosity tends to increase. Another oily base, diesel oil or gas oil, is then introduced in order to adjust the viscosity of the suspension and return it to values close to the original viscosity of the bunker. This is a suspension characterized by the partial replacement of fossil fuel (bunker) with green fuel (biocarbon). And a very optimized suspension in the technical (burning) and logistical aspect, since the introduction biocarbon can be carried out in different proportions and implemented gradually.

[0026] In a second embodiment of the present invention, 100% sustainable, the following composition is used:

5 to 50% by mass of micronized biocarbon;

50 to 95% by mass of hydrotreated vegetable oil; and 0 to 50% vegetable tar.

[0027] In this second embodiment, the biocarbon is mixed with a completely green oily base, which may be HVO (Hydrotreated Vegetable Oil) or vegetable tar (PO Pyrolysis Oil) or a mixture of these components. This suspension is characterized by lower viscosity compared to bunker and, in this case, there is a suspension composed only of sustainable products, that is, of renewable origin.

[0028] In a third embodiment of the present invention, also 100% sustainable, the following composition is used:

5 to 50% by mass of micronized biocarbon; It is

50 to 95% by mass of hydrotreated pyrolysis oil.

[0029] In this third embodiment, the suspension is composed of biocarbon and the oily base HPO (Hydrotreated Pyrolysis Oil) and, like the second embodiment, is completely sustainable.

[0030] The three aforementioned embodiments have one characteristic in common: the use of micronized biocarbon in the composition. Aiming for suspensions that result in the lowest level of wear due to abrasion in diesel engines, it is preferable to produce biocarbon from biomass with a low ash content, such as eucalyptus, preferably without the bark, which has a higher inorganic content compared to wood core. in itself.

[0031] The present invention also provides a process for manufacturing the biofuel oily suspension described above, comprising the steps of (i) micronizing biocarbon to a maximum diameter of 50 pm and (ii) mixing 5 to 50% by mass of micronized biocarbon to 50 to 95% by mass of liquid suspension base.

[0032] The present invention refers to a biofuel oily suspension whose composition contains a portion of biocarbon from the carbonization of biomass in micronized form (particles smaller than 50 pm). The presence of biocarbon confers advantages in the ecological aspect, such as a reduction in greenhouse gas and _SO

[0033] The main technical advantages arise from the catalytic effects due to the presence of solid biocarbon particles in the reacting atmosphere, inside the engine's combustion chamber. Figure 1 presents an illustration of these catalytic phenomena, bringing an allusion to the molecular interactions that occur in this reactant medium.

[0034] Firstly, the internal surface area associated with porosity, as well as the external surface area of the biocarbon particles favors the process of physical adsorption of oxygen molecules and other liquid fuels, promoting chemical interaction between them, which characterizes an effect catalytic in the combustion process. More specifically, biocarbon is a product with a high concentration of carbon, typically greater than 80%, depending on the raw material and operational conditions in which it is produced. It is, therefore, a friable and porous product, and these pores can be closed or open. Associated with the degree of micronization, the external specific surface area of the particles is generated and associated with porosity, the internal specific surface area of the particles is generated. Both the external and internal specific surface area contribute to the phenomenon of heterogeneous catalysis during the combustion process. This effect is illustrated in figure 1, where the HC liquid fuel molecules interact more significantly and more frequently with O2 oxygen molecules precisely on the internal and external surfaces of BC biocarbon particles. Such interactions are highlighted in figure 1 with a blue circle.

[0035] Additionally, the catalytic effect of the injection of potassium salts in the burning of solid, liquid and gaseous fuels is known. It is also known from the relevant literature that, during the biomass carbonization process, the migration of inorganic elements present in the precursor biomass occurs, forming pockets of SIO2 and KC1 crystals on the surface of the biocarbon particle. Biomass and its respective biocarbon contain micronutrients in their composition, including potassium salts. In this way, the heterogeneous suspension containing biocarbon is an intrinsic way of seeking this catalytic action of potassium in the combustion process. This effect, where potassium reduces the activation energy and catalyzes the reaction of oxygen with the carbon surface of the biocarbon itself, is illustrated in figure 1 and is highlighted with an orange circle.

[0036] Optionally, the present invention also provides for the introduction of additives into the biocarbon-based biofuel oily suspension, such as surfactant agents, in order to improve the stabilization of the solution and its handling, transport and storage properties. Additives can be used in small proportions, typically less than 5%. [0037] In addition to the innovative effects listed above, the following advantages are observed in the biofuel of the present invention:

1) The friability of biocarbon allows grinding to obtain particles with typical dimensions of less than 50 pm at relatively competitive operating costs;

2) Preferably, the biocarbon is micronized in order to achieve a bimodal particle size distribution, which favors preparing the oily suspension of this invention;

3) Biocarbon has a low ash and sulfur content when compared to other carbonaceous materials, such as mineral coal;

4) The catalytic processes associated with biocarbon improve the burning properties of the suspension and, in this way, increase the performance of the diesel engine;

5) The burning times of porous biocarbon microparticles are low, typically the stroke times of many diesel cycle engines of interest in terms of industrial application of the present invention, such as, for example, low-speed engines used in maritime transport. This provides complete solid fuel burning efficiency and low level of particulate emissions;

6) The catalytic optimization of the combustion processes of the oily phase of the suspension and the biocarbon particle itself allows the engine to operate at lower compression levels and, in this way, leads to greater thermal efficiency of the engine;

7) Better performance in relation to atmospheric emissions of contaminants such as particulates and NO _X due to the catalytic combustion process associated with biocarbon particles;

8) As it is renewable, partially or totally, the biofuel oily suspension of the present invention promotes a reduction in greenhouse gas emissions in the form of CO2 into the atmosphere.

[0038] The biofuel of the present invention has its viscosity, calorific value and energy density adjustable to its applications. This way, it can be adjusted to replace any types of diesel oils currently on the market. By way of example, the present invention can be used very efficiently to replace bunker oil for applications in low speed engines, like marine engines. However, its application is not limited to this specific application, and can also be used in engines used in rail, road, air transport, machine movement and cogeneration.

[0039] Thus, as explained above, the present invention provides a biofuel oily suspension better adapted to diesel engines currently on the market, dispensing with major adaptations to them. Furthermore, the biofuel oily suspension of the present invention is highly sustainable and has calorific value, energy density and viscosity compared to fuels currently on the market. [0040] Numerous variations affecting the scope of protection of this application are permitted. In this way, the fact is reinforced that the present invention is not limited to the particular configurations/embodiments described above.

Claims

1. Biofuel oily suspension, characterized by comprising: 5 to 50% by mass of micronized biocarbon; It is 50 to 95% by mass of liquid suspension base. 2. Biofuel oily suspension, according to claim 1, characterized in that the liquid base of the suspension is at least one of: bunker oil; marine diesel oil or gas oil; hydrotreated vegetable oil; hydrotreated pyrolysis oil; and vegetable tar. 3. Biofuel oily suspension according to claim 2, characterized in that the liquid base of the suspension is a suspension of at least two of: bunker oil; marine diesel oil; hydrotreated vegetable oil; hydrotreated pyrolysis oil; and vegetable tar. 4. Biofuel oily suspension, according to claim 2 or 3, characterized by comprising: 5 to 50% by mass of micronized biocarbon; 50 to 95% by mass of bunker oil; It is 0 to 30% marine diesel oil. 5. Biofuel oily suspension, according to claim 2 or 3, characterized by comprising: 5 to 50% by mass of micronized biocarbon; 50 to 95% by mass of hydrotreated vegetable oil; It is 0 to 50% vegetable tar. 6. Biofuel oily suspension, according to claim 2 or 3, characterized by comprising: 5 to 50% by mass of micronized charcoal; It is 50 to 95% by mass of hydrotreated pyrolysis oil; 7. Process for manufacturing a biofuel oily suspension, characterized by comprising the steps of: micronizing biocarbon to a maximum diameter of 50 pm; mix 5 to 50% by mass of micronized biocarbon to 50 to 95% by mass of liquid suspension base. 8. Process according to claim 7, characterized in that the biocarbon has a bimodal particle size distribution. 9. Process according to claim 7 or 8, characterized in that the liquid base of the suspension is at least one of: bunker oil; marine diesel oil; hydrotreated vegetable oil; hydrotreated pyrolysis oil; and vegetable tar. 10. Process according to claim 9, characterized in that the liquid base of the suspension is at least two of: bunker oil; marine diesel oil; hydrotreated vegetable oil; hydrotreated pyrolysis oil; and vegetable tar. 11. Process according to any one of claims 7 to 10, characterized by additionally comprising a step of adding at least one surfactant additive to the biofuel oily suspension.