I’m Meliz Tunc, from Istanbul/Turkey. My research interest is mainly bio-oil upgrading reactions. I have worked and leaded different projects in this field. However, currently I don’t have the required infrastructure for the continued research. In the Brisk experience, I was very lucky and enthusiastic about topic and the equipment itself. My study visit was hosted by TUD Process & Energy department, Christos Tsekos & Prof. Dr. Ir. Wiebren de Jong. The equipment was selected before the study visit, which was 4560 Parr mini reactor system for my experiments. During my visit the equipment and the required chemicals for the experiments is provided by the host organization and also guidance was so helpful on the laboratory and the equipment.
Parr reaction system is an automated batch reactor system with 300 ml volume and high-pressure residence. The aim of this visit was to evaluate the catalyst effect on hydrothermal liquefaction of woody biomass reaction under mild conditions. Although temperature, pressure and the residence time have an impact on the conversion, because of the limited duration of the visit catalyst was selected as the main variable for the reaction. In the current study, beech wood is used as woody biomass. In order to have a homogeneous particle size, beech wood chips were grinded to 200µm. KOH was used as the catalyst for the hydrothermal liquefaction reaction and the effect of catalyst amount on the biomass conversion was evaluated. Selected experimental plan was repeated two times for the accuracy of the experiments and the results were evaluated. During the experimental study, temperature is set to 250 °C, stirring rate was kept 150 rpm and the pressure was 40bar.
The results show that the catalyst usage has a positive impact on the biomass conversion and the oil yield.however, the amount of the catalyst in the reaction should be optimized since exceed amount has negative impact on thebiomass conversion and the oil yield. Exceed amount catalyst caused and increase in solid phase, which is results lessbiomass conversion in the reaction.
The brisk experience was quite interesting and efficient for me. In a limited time, these preliminary results contribute for abetter understanding of the reaction and further investigation. Last butnot least, I would like to thank a lot for my hosts PhD researcher Christos Tsekos and Prof. Dr. Ir. Wiebren de Jong forbeing anytime very communicative, very helpful and very co-operative during my visit. It was great pleasure to share scientific work with you.
reaction system
Figure 1: Running an experiment with Parr system
reaction parameters
Figure2: Reaction parameters & control system
final_product
Figure 3: Heavy Bio-oil
solid phase
Figure 4: Un-convertedbiomass (catalyst free experiment)
