In Pennsylvania, a new ASTM International test method will help determine the carbonyl content of thermochemically derived bio-oils. Carbonyls contribute to instability during storage and processing of bio-oils. Bio-oils with high carbonyl content may require stabilization prior to upgrading. In addition, knowing the level of carbonyl content can help track and predict how a bio-oil will age during storage.
Bio-oil producers, those who work to upgrade bio-oil, and analytical labs will find the standard most useful. In addition, regulatory bodies might use the standard to help describe the quality of a bio-oil intermediate that could be further processed into fuels and chemical products.
The standard (E3146) was developed by ASTM International’s committee on bioenergy and industrial chemicals from biomass (E48). The standard can be used in conjunction with the specification for pyrolysis liquid biofuel (D7544) to describe the quality of a bio-oil that will be further upgraded.
Category: Producer News