In Brazil, Riograndense Refinery (RPR) successfully performed the co-processing test of 5% biomass pyrolysis oil or bio-oil (non-food biomass raw material) with mineral load. In this way, the refinery, located in Rio Grande (RS), which has corporate interests of Petrobras, Ultra and Braskem, was the first in the country able to produce cellulosic-content fuels.
Based on a Petrobras technology, the co-processing test occurred in the RPR catalytic cracking unit (FCCU), having 7 days duration and being concluded on last February 17. A highly specialized team from Petrobras and Riograndense monitored planning and execution of the procedures, providing support for the commissioning, launching, operation and downtime steps of the bio-oil unit supply and injection system.
Bio-oil is a viscous, dark brown liquid, rich in organic compounds. As is with crude oil, to be useful in engines or turbines, it requires further treatments. Upon being processed in the RPR FCC unit, it was converted into several fractions such as fuel oil, LPG and components for renewable content gasoline and maritime fuel.
Tags: Brazil, Petrobras, RPR
Category: Research
