| Theme: | Biomass (T01) |
| Status: | Active |
| Start Date: | 2018-05-01 |
| End Date: | 2023-12-31 |
| Website: | |
| Principal Investigator |
| Mussone, Paolo Giuseppe |
Project Overview
Oxygenated fuels, or oxygenates, such as di-methyl ether (DME) and oxymethylenes (OME) are the focus of significant interest from global diesel engine manufactures because their utilization results in substantial reductions in carbon dioxide, particulate matter emissions, and anticipated lower vehicle operating and maintainance costs. Methanol recovered from the Kraft pulping process constitutes an ideal feedstock for the direct synthesis of DME and OMEs. However, Kraft methanol contains organic sulfur and nitrogen compounds resulting from the pulping process that may poison the catalytic systems used to transform methanol into oxygenated fuels. The lack of in-depth knowledge about these chemical compounds has historically represented a barrier toward designing tailored engineering devices to protect catalysts used for the synthesis of DME or OMEs.
During the first phase of this project (2018-2021), we developed a suite of analytical chemistry methods and conducted the first known identification and quantification of organosulfur and nitrogen-based compounds in Kraft methanol recovered under a broad range of operating conditions. Throught this work we identified several high-value chemicals with applications in the biotechnology industry. In the second phase of this project (2021-2024) we will continue to characterize these chemicals and design, prototype and field validate a system to selectively extract the high-value species in collaboration with an industry partner. In parallel with this work, we will continue to advance our fundamental knowledge of the reaction kinetics of DME and OMEs synthesis using a combination of laboratory and pilot scale equipment.
Outputs
| Title |
Category |
Date |
Authors |
| Bioeconomy: From innovative breakthroughs to new business modelsParticipation to BIOFOR International Conference in Montreal QC NAIT | Activity | 2019-02-04 | Mussone, P. |
| Cellulose materials for the purification of Kraft methanolParticipation to the 2019 International Nanotechnology Conference for Renewable Materials NAIT | Activity | 2019-06-03 | Mussone, P. |
| Participation to Future Energy Systems Second Annual Open House NAIT | Activity | 2018-10-04 | Mussone, P. |
| Simulation and Design of a Reactive Distillation System for Synthesis of Dimethyl Ether Using Bio-Methanol from a Kraft Pulp millDimethyl ether (DME) is an attractive substitute for liquefied petroleum gas (LPG), gasoline, and diesel fuel. DME is a cleaner alternative to conventional diesel because its combustion produces only CO2 and water and is not accompanies by the formation of particulates, sulphur dioxides, and low amounts of nitrogen oxides. These properties give it significant advantage not only as an automotive fuel, but also for electric power generation and domestic applications. DME can be produced from both conventional hydrocarbon feedstock such as coal and natural gas, but also from a broad array of renewable resources such as residual pulp and paper mills fibers, agricultural by-products, fuel crops, and municipal waste.
This research focuses on demonstrating the production of DME from the dehydration of methanol using reactive catalytic distillation, the integration of a chemical reactor and a distillation column into a single unit operation. This approach is expected to deliver higher DME purity and lower costs compared with traditional DME synthesis reaction and separation pathways. To this end, we have designed and constructed a 12 foot high and 2 inches in diameter reactive distillation column to test the production of dimethyl ether through the dehydration of methanol. Aspen Plus simulations have been performed to determine the optimal specifications for the reactive distillation. Varying specifications have been simulated such as feed location, feed rate, catalyst loading, reflux ratio, pressure, and reaction zone, to determine their effect on the purity of DME production. In parallel with this work, we have conducted laboratory experimentation using a bench scale continuous fix bed reactor using bio-methanol supplied by a Kraft pulp mill in Alberta to determine the impact of sulphur and nitrogen impurities on DME synthesis and catalyst performance prior to operating the reactive distillation column with the same feedstock. The results from the mini-reactor provide a precursor for the reaction kinetics and catalyst performance for the reactive distillation. The reactive distillation will be run using the results determined by Aspen Plus and the mini-reactor to verify simulations. NAIT | Activity | 2021-06-22 | Mussone, P., "Danish Dar" |
| Briefing to the Alberta Motor Transportation Association (AMTA)Meeting with AMTA personnel related to the topic of DME utilization in diesel engines operated by long distance haul trucking companies. The meeting informed the draft of a white paper that AMTA used to illustrate the position of the association with the Alberta Government as far as plans for introduction of low-carbon fuels in the near future. NAIT | Activity | 2018-07-12 | Mussone, P. |
| Characterization of organosulfur compounds in biomethanol from Kraft pulpingA detailed identification of organosulfur compounds present in biomethanol recovered from Kraft pulping operations under different conditions, including both softwood and hardwood operations. NAIT | Activity | 2020-08-28 | Mussone, P., Jeremiah Bryksa |
| Analysis of organosulfur compounds in Kraft methanol recovered under vacuum conditionsA detailed analysis of the effect of vacuum-based sampling of organosulfur compounds from Kraft biomethanol produced by Alberta Pacific Forest Industry. NAIT | Activity | 2021-03-16 | Mussone, P., Jeremiah Bryksa |
| Identification and quantification of sulfur compounds in Kraft methanol(In preparation as of May 2023)
This paper describes for the first time the chemical species that occur in methanol recovered from foul condensate streams produced during the Kraft pulping process. This work focuses specifically on the identification and quantification of compounds containing sulfur in their atomic structure as these pose considerable challenges to the transformation of this biogenic methanol in processes that require the use of catalysts. NAIT | Publication | 2019-04-10 | Mussone, P., "Wendy Shen" |
| Protocol for the identification of organosulfur compounds in Kraft Methanol(In preparation as of May 2023)
This work describes the development of a method to isolate, identify and quantify organosulfur compounds present in methanol recovered from foul condensate in Kraft pulping operations. The methods establishes and demonstrates the gas chromatography procedures required to univocally determine these compounds directly in the methanol matrix. This approach reduces sample preparation time and costs associated with traditional methods. NAIT | Publication | 2020-01-06 | Mussone, P., Wendi Shen |
| Synthesis of renewable materials for the purification of Kraft methanol(In preparation as of May 2023)
This paper presents the synthesis and characterization of sugar based solid materials for the selective adsorption of sulfur based compounds in Kraft derived methanol. This work also assesses the adsorption efficiencies of these new materials in comparison with commercially available products such as activated carbons. NAIT | Publication | 2019-04-10 | Mussone, P., "Wendi Shen" |
