Integration of MFI Zeolite Membranes in the Light Gasoline Isomerisation Process

Tests aiming at separating normal pentane from a light gasoline isomerate through a MFI zeolite composite membrane were carried out. The performances of this membrane sample were studied as a function of total hydrocarbon pressure upstream of the membrane as well as the temperature. Maximal permeate flux, close to 2 kg/m2.h, was observed at 250°C - 2 bar total hydrocarbon pressure. The normal pentane weight fraction was more than threefold higher in the permeate than in the feed. In a second step, a fully heat-integrated light gasoline isomerisation process loop integrating a MFI zeolite membrane-based separation was simulated and optimised. Integration of MFI zeolite membranes in this process proved to be valuable only if their cost is lower than 1000 EURO/m2

Integration of MFI Zeolite Membranes in the Light Gasoline Isomerisation Process

Tests aiming at separating normal pentane from a light gasoline isomerate through a MFI zeolite composite membrane were carried out. The performances of this membrane sample were studied as a function of total hydrocarbon pressure upstream of the membrane as well as the temperature. Maximal permeate flux, close to 2 kg/m2.h, was observed at 250°C - 2 bar total hydrocarbon pressure. The normal pentane weight fraction was more than threefold higher in the permeate than in the feed. In a second step, a fully heat-integrated light gasoline isomerisation process loop integrating a MFI zeolite membrane-based separation was simulated and optimised. Integration of MFI zeolite membranes in this process proved to be valuable only if their cost is lower than 1000 EURO/m2

Fatty Acid Esters in Europe: Market Trends and Technological Perspectives

Based on strong governmental incentives, biodiesel from transesterification of Fatty Acids (FAE) production is rapidly increasing mainly in Europe and is starting to expand worldwide. A closer look at the complex European incentives scheme and an update of the planned FAE capacity expansion helps to explain the key economic factors in this sharp raise in FAE activity. Based on this economic background, key factors for FAE technology selection will be explored to demonstrate alternatives for biofuels production. Increasing biodiesel consumption in a sustainable way requires optimizing production processes compatible with high production capacities, high yields and low environmental impact, especially regarding wastes streams. This paper highlights a commercially proven technology available for meeting these challenges, focusing on a new continuous FAE production process where the transesterification reaction is promoted by a heterogeneous catalyst. This process employs methanolysis of vegetable oils by passing the reactants through two consecutive fixed-bed reactors followed by methanol and glycerin separation stages. The Axens process requires neither catalyst recovery nor aqueous treatment. It achieves very high methyl esters yields with a high purity glycerin byproduct. At least 98% purity glycerin is directly recovered in the total absence of any mineral (salts) contaminants thereby offering an alternative for a real “Green Process”

BioTfueL Project: Targeting the Development of Second-Generation Biodiesel and Biojet Fuels

2nd generation biofuels will have an important part to take in the energy transition as far as fuels are concerned. Using non edible biomass, they will avoid any direct competition with food usage. Within 2nd generation biofuels, the BTL route consists in the production of middle distillates (Diesel and jet fuel) via gasification and Fischer-Tropsch (FT) synthesis. These fuels are called “drop in” fuels; this means that to be used they technically do not request any modification in the vehicle whatever the blending rate with conventional fuels. This route is currently at the pre-industrial phase where demonstration is required. This article presents the BioTfueL project which has been created by Axens, CEA, IFP Energies nouvelles, Sofiprotéol, ThyssenKrupp Uhde and Total. This project is focused on the original concept of co-processing (biomass can be gasified together with fossil feedstock) and proposes to develop and demonstrate a full process chain to be commercialized worldwide via licensing