Abstract:
A method of hydrothermal hydrocatalytic treating biomass is provided. Lignocellulosic biomass solids is provided to a hydrothermal digestion unit in the presence of a digestive solvent, and a supported hydrogenolysis catalyst containing (a) sulfur, (b) Mo or W, and (c) Co, Ni or mixture thereof, incorporated into an alumina support, which support is predominantly alpha alumina; (ii) heating the lignocellulosic biomass solids and digestive solvent in the presence of hydrogen, and supported hydrogenolysis catalyst thereby forming a product solution containing plurality of oxygenated hydrocarbons, said alumina support having a specific surface area of up to about 30 m2/g and said catalyst retaining a crush strength of at least 50% after being subjected to an aqueous phase stability test compared with before the aqueous phase stability test or a crush strength of at least 0.25 kg after being subjected to an aqueous phase stability test.
Abstract:
Digestion units for processing cellulosic biomass can comprise a chamber having a height that is greater than its width, the chamber having an opening suitable for solids introduction located within the upper 20% of its height; one or more first fluid conduits connected to the chamber within the lower 20% of its height, at least one of the first fluid conduits extending into the chamber and being elevated above the bottom of the chamber; one or more second fluid conduits connected to the chamber within the upper 20% of its height, at least one of the first fluid conduits being fluidly coupled to at least one of the second fluid conduits; a porous medium located in the chamber within the lower 20% of its height; and a movable pressure isolation device covering the opening; wherein the digestion unit is operable to maintain a pressure of at least about 30 bar.