Biomass conversion process

Abstract

Biomass material is converted into precursors for hydrocarbon transportation fuels by contacting the biomass with liquid superheated water or supercritical water to depolymerize and deoxygenate the biomass into the transportation fuel precursors. Temperatures above 200° C. and preferably above 300° C. are preferred with supercritical water at temperatures above 374° C. and pressures above 22 MPa providing a capability for higher conversion rates.

1 . A process for the conversion of biomass material into precursors for hydrocarbon transportation fuels comprises contacting liquid superheated water or supercritical water with the biomass material to depolymerize and deoxygenate the biomass into the transportation fuel precursors. 
     
     
         2 . A process according to  claim 1  in which the water is liquid superheated water at a temperature of at least 200° C. 
     
     
         3 . A process according to  claim 2  in which the water is liquid superheated water at a temperature of at least 300° C. 
     
     
         4 . A process according to  claim 1  in which the water is in the supercritical state at a temperature of at least 374° C. and a pressure of at least 22 MPa. 
     
     
         5 . A process according to  claim 1  in which the biomass material comprises plant matter, biodegradable wastes, byproducts of farming including animal manures, food processing wastes, sewage sludge, black liquor from wood pulp or algae. 
     
     
         6 . A process according to  claim 5  in which the plant matter comprises the roots, stems, leaves, seed husks and fruits of miscanthus, spurge, sunflower, switchgrass, hemp, corn (maize), poplar, willow, sugarcane, and oil palm (palm oil).