Australian researchers report breakthrough on biocrude production process; new process more stable, uses waste

In Australia, CSIRO and Monash University announced a new process for producing what it termed a “concentrated biocrude” they reported is more stable than previous biocrudes. The Furafuel biocrude process converts forest thinnings, crop residues and waste paper from landfills.

Biocrude has been gaining popularity in recent months. In Texas, US Sustainable Energy conducted a successful demonstration of its soybean-to-crude oil production capabilities at its Baytown, TX facility. The biocrude producer is also awaiting lab results from a test of biocrude production using 20 pounds of algae as a feedstock.

The company recently installed a new production line at its Baytown facility, and has been successfully testing up to 1,000 gallons per day of soybean-based bio-crude production.

The company’s “Rivera” process, which is closely held as a trade secret, will produce fuels that will be certified at an on-site facility by Amspec. Amspec Senior VP Jim Ford, who serves on the board of the Americas Committee of the International Federation of Inspection Agencies, has recently joined the board of Sustainable Power, a related company that has licensed the Rivera process.

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