General BioOil Information
Content |
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BioOil properties and how they compare with conventional fuels
Table 1: Comparison of fuel properties – wood based pyrolysis fuel
Parameter |
Unit |
Analytical methods |
BioOil Plus |
BioOil |
Heating oil #2 |
Heavy fuel oil |
High Heating Value |
MJ/kg |
DIN51900 |
18-20 |
16-19 |
45.5 |
42.5 |
High Heating Value |
MJ/L |
DIN51900 |
23-25 |
19-23 |
39.4 |
41.7 |
Flash Point |
oC |
ASTM D93 |
50-60 |
48-55 |
38 |
60 |
Pour Point |
oC |
ASTM D97 |
-11 |
-15 |
-6 |
- |
Density (15oC) |
Kg/liter |
ASTM D4052 |
1.22-1.3 |
1.2 |
0.865 |
0.986 |
Acidity |
pH |
pH meter |
2-3 |
2-3 |
- |
- |
Solids (char) |
wt % |
Insolubles in Ethanol |
20-23 |
0.01-0.2 |
- |
- |
Moisture |
wt% |
Karl Fisher |
20-25 |
20-25 |
- |
< 0.5 |
Ash |
wt % |
ASTM D482 |
<1 |
<0.02 |
Trace |
0.08 |
Kinematic Viscosity |
cSt |
ASTM D445 |
- |
- |
- |
- |
20°C |
- |
- |
1500-3700 |
70 |
3-6 |
2000-9000 |
40°C |
- |
- |
300-500 |
19 |
1.8-3.5 |
500-1000 |
60°C |
- |
- |
140-250 |
8 |
1.4-2.5 |
100-200 |
80°C |
- |
- |
70-90 |
4 |
1.1-1.8 |
40-70 |
Table 2: Ultimate Analysis of different fuels (% by wt)
BioOil |
BioOil Plus |
Char |
Heating oil #2 |
Heavy fuel oil |
|
| Ash | < 0.02 |
<1 |
< 8 |
< 0.01 |
0.02-0.08 |
| Carbon | 42-47 |
45-51 |
75-78 |
86.4 |
85.7 |
| Hydrogen | 6-8 |
5-6 |
3-4 |
12.7 |
10.5 |
| Nitrogen | < 0.1 |
< 0.3 |
< 0.3 |
0.006 |
0.18 |
| Sulfur | < 0.02 |
< 0.06 |
- |
0.2-0.7 |
< 2.8 |
| Oxygen (by difference) |
46-51 |
43-49 |
7-14 |
0.04 |
0.38 |
Paper Mill Firing BioOil in Lime Kiln
BioOil’s potential use as a fossil fuel replacement is already well established. Customers for BioOil can include local, regional and national electrical utilities and power producers operating with partial or complete fuel substitution depending on scale and application. The opportunities for industrial applications are too numerous to list but some immediate applications in primary industry are kilns and boilers in pulp and paper, process heat in boilers in sawmills, metallurgy, oil and gas industries, as well as in secondary industries such as greenhouses, district heating and stationary engines.
Pyrolysis fuels have a very complex chemical composition, containing a multitude of different compounds. The specialty applications of these compounds in industrial processes and manufacturing are just beginning to be explored. They represent a potentially very large market for value-added products derived from BioOil.
Key Properties to Accommodate Switching Fuel to BioOil
| Viscosity | Preheat BioOil to 40° C. Select air or steam atomized nozzles. Wherever possible, avoid pipe diameters < 1.5” ID in longer runs. |
| Acidity | Due to corrosivity, avoid carbon steel and use stainless or HDPE in all BioOil Plus wetted surfaces and instrumentation |
| Lower heating value | Select larger feed pump and preferably consider a positive displacement type for BioOil Plus pumping. |
| Aging | Avoid sustained heating to > 60° C. Use BioOil within 3 months. |
| Ignition | Ignition is not a problem – what works with fuel oil generally works with BioOil Plus. It is necessary to attend to the fuel / combustion air ratio before ignition. |
Utility fuel, Power Generation
Dynamotive is working with manufacturers of gas turbines and stationary diesel engines to further test and develop BioOil fuels for heat and power generation. The first application was the installation of an OGT 2500 gas turbine with a combined cycle in Dynamotive’s first commercial BioOil plant in West Lorne, Ontario. Due to the high solid content in BioOil Plus, it cannot be used in a gas turbine and diesel engine. Nevertheless, its higher heating value makes it a good fuel to be used in any heating application.Industrial fuel, Cogeneration
Dynamotive’s successful burner tests have created opportunities for early commercial applications of BioOil as a clean burning fuel to replace natural gas, diesel and other liquid fossil fuels in the multi-billion dollar industrial boilers and kiln markets.Lime kilns and lumber kilns
Field tests showed that BioOil and natural gas were equivalent in thermal performance and product quality.Boilers
BioOil is an effective substitute for diesel, heavy fuel oil, light fuel oil, or natural gas in essentially any type of boiler where these fuels are fired or contemplated to be fired. These are relatively simple applications requiring basic modifications limited mainly to fuel nozzles and transport systems. Dynamotive already has demonstrated the successful burning of BioOil in a variety of boilers. The most recent demonstration was in June 2005 and involved firing BioOil alone in a Dutch oven-type wood fired boiler at the West Lorne BioOil plant satisfying steam demand, production and pressure for over an hour as part of the demonstration phase of the West Lorne BioOil Cogeneration Project. The steam produced in the boilers was used to heat Erie Flooring’s lumber kilns.Synthesis Gas Production/Gasification
Conventional liquid transportation fuels like diesel or gasoline are carbon based. But biomass is the only source of renewable carbon. While hydrogen is touted as the transportation fuel for the long term, it will require a whole new distribution infrastructure and new engines, e.g. fuel cells. Such changes will require decades to implement. It would be far cheaper in the short run to simply replace conventional fuels with equivalent fuels made from biomass derived carbon.BioOil Application Demonstrations
Dynamotive's BioOil Fuels Orenda's Gas Turbine at West Lorne Cogeneration Plant
Orenda, Magellan Aerospace Corp.
One of the first major opportunities for BioOil utilization came about through co-operation with Orenda Aerospace Corporation and the proposal to use BioOil to run their aero-derivative turbine to generate electric power. Initial trials clearly indicated BioOil could substitute for the kerosene distillate that usually serves as turbine fuel. With a few alterations to the fuel preparation and firing systems of the OGT 2500 gas turbine package, a full-scale demonstration test was set up at the Magellan Aerospace Center in Toronto with the 2.5MW turbine operating successfully on BioOil. This project culminated with the transfer of the turbine to the Erie Flooring Plant in West Lorne, Ontario, Canada, combining it with Dynamotive’s 100 tonnes per day pyrolysis plant, making this project the world’s first BioOil fired co-gen plant.
Measured levels of CO, SO2, and NOx in BioOil off gases are similar to those of natural gas, and lower than those of diesel fuel. BioOil is essentially a sulphur-free fuel and therefore SO2 levels are almost zero. Figure 1 shows the NOx emissions profile from burning BioOil in a Magellan, Orenda division gas turbine (OGT 2500).
Figure 1: Measured Levels of NOx vs. Engine Power

Figure 2: % Particulates vs. Engine Power


Ontario Greenhouse Tests BioOil in Boilers
Top Gro Greenhouse, Aldergrove, British Columbia, Canada
This test was a simple demonstration of substituting heating oil #2 with BioOil fired in a standard industrial type 100 psig Cleverbrook hot water fire tube boiler. The existing fuel train was used with changes made to the electronic flame safety system, the mechanical fuel air ratio and the burner management. One tonne of BioOil was fired as a single fuel, maintaining the heating requirements for several hours. Substantial reductions in flue gas NOx emission were noted. The existing automatic instrumentation followed the load demand and no smoke or lingering BioOil odour was noticed clearly indicating complete and successful combustion.Lime Kiln, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, BC, Canada
Burner tests with BioOil fuel showed it to be a viable alternative to Natural Gas (NG) because it atomizes and burns well with a similar flame. The axial temperature and calcinations profiles were similar and the lime reactivity was not affected by firing BioOil.Lumber Kiln, Canfor Lumber Mill, Prince George, British Columbia, Canada
A combustion test of whitewood and whitewood/bark BioOil was carried out in Prince George on a lumber kiln dryer. Two loads of lumber (each 168,000 fbm) were dried in two separate runs. The initial and final moisture of lumber was 42% and 12.8% for the first load and 56% and 15.4% for the second load respectively (46.9 hrs drying time for each load). 9,987 kg of whitewood / bark and 8,501 kg of whitewood BioOil were used for drying the two loads of lumber. The testing results showed that BioOil exhibited good ignition characteristics and was an effective substitute for natural gas in the lumber kiln dryer.Aluminum Smelter, ALCOA Baie-Comeau, Québec, Canada
A total of 19 tonnes of BioOil from hardwoods was combusted. The BioOil came from Dynamotive’s pyrolysis plant at Erie Flooring in West Lorne, Ontario The test comprised two phases; both of which were successfully completed. The first and most important phase involved increasing the temperature of an aluminium furnace to the required operational parameters within a specific timeframe. The second phase required the maintenance of temperature in the furnace at operational parameters. The strict Alcoa test conditions and temperature requirements were met fully, indicating that BioOil can be used as a viable fuel alternative.Green House Gas credits
Replacing fossil fuel use with BioOil will also generate Green House Gas emissions reduction credits. These credits could then be traded through domestic trading systems or through the established international mechanisms set out under the Kyoto Protocol. The quantity and value of these credits will depend on what type of fossil fuel BioOil is displacing and where the credits are traded.
Product Specific Requirements
To be authorized to carry the EcoLogo™, the Renewable Industrial Liquid Fuel must satisfy the following:| Water Content | Ash Content | Viscocity at 20°C | Viscocity at 80°C | Heating Value |
| <25% | <0.1% | <120 centistokes | <15 centistokes | >15MJ/kg |
Aluminum Smelter BioOil Test Burn
An Eclipse 8V-HI Vortometric burner firing Dynamotive BioOil and Dynamotive BioOil Plus was tested at Eclipse’s Rockford test facility between July 12 and September 14, 2006. Nozzle selection was optimized for performance and burner operating curves were established during testing.14V- HI BioOil Operating Parameters
BioOil Plus Testing
A test on BioOil Plus fuel was also conducted. The purpose of the test was to confirm suitable operation of the burner and to collect emissions data. The BioOil Plus takes a higher nozzle pressure drop versus BioOil and required significantly more atomization air consumption.Emissions Data
Low fire ignition and high fire were the primary conditions tested to obtain a baseline for sensitivity of atomization air and oil parameters. Emissions were taken by Airtech during nozzle and feasibility testing at 3MM Btu/hr. The two valid tests were recorded with heating of the oil just prior to the burner and with heating of the entire re-circulation system. Those results are found in Airtech report Di4700609291533.General
Airtech Environmental Services Inc. (Airtech) was contracted by Eclipse, Inc. (Eclipse) to perform an air emission test program at their facility located in Rockford Illinois. Testing was performed on the burner test stand. The objective of the test program was to determine the emissions of particulate matter (PM), sulfur dioxide (SO2), nitrogen oxides (NOx) and carbon monoxide (CO) from a burner test stand while burning wood-based bio-fuel.Parameters
The following specific parameters were determined at the test location:
Summary of Results Table 1 - Summary Results
Run 2 and 3 tested BioOil |
Storage stability
BioOil is very stable. However, with time and when left undisturbed (usually months) it will slowly begin to separate into a heavier component (lignin components) that will form a thick bottom layer, several inches thick, and is viscous like honey. This bottom layer shows no distinct line of separation from the bulk but rather a gradual transition, unlike oil and water separation for example. Also, a 0.5”-2” thick floating layer may also form at the top. With vigorous stirring, however, both these layers will mix back into the BioOil, particularly if helped by the addition of 5% alcohol and/or by heating to 40° – 60°C It should be noted that these processes will accelerate if the BioOil is exposed to higher temperatures and thus extended exposure to > 60° C should be avoided.Storage and transport temperature
With a pour point of -15° C, BioOil can be stored below freezing but it will become very viscous and very difficult to pump or transport (see pyrolysis fuels viscosities in Table 2). The recommended storage is continuous agitation, insulated, and heated to at least 10° C with ability to heat it (electrically or with steam) to +40° C. As mentioned before, heating BioOil to 60°C or higher will promote internal reactions and polymerization that can be significant if left at elevated temperatures for prolonged periods. Another consequence of over heating will be the reduction / elimination of certain extractives and commercially viable products.BioOil sampling procedures from tanks or containers
In order to take a representative sample of BioOil it should be thoroughly mixed beforehand.Technical Requirements for BioOil Handling
Material of container for shipment & storage
All BioOil wetted surfaces should be in Stainless 304, 316, HDPE, EPDM, PVC or Teflon because of BioOil’s acidity (pH of 2.2 - 3.0).Temperature
During storage and transportation BioOil should be kept above 15 OC to maintain good fluidity, but should not be stored at temperatures higher than 40 OC for long to avoid polymerization.Mixing
During storage BioOil should be agitated or circulated to maintain good homogeneity.Pumping
For pumping large quantities of BioOil(more than 10 tons), all piping must be generous and not less than 3" on suction (keep as short as possible with generous NPSH) and 2" diameter on discharge-use reinforced PVC hose if practical.Pressure
BioOil does not exert pressures at temperature much different from water. Carriers designed to handle diesel fuels or equal will suffice for BioOil.Cleaning BioOil out of tanker
Cleaning is best done with denatured ethanol. It will depend on end user requirements of the BioOil but it may be possible to add the collected wash spill to the BioOil, in particular if the end use is as a fuel. Do not wash with water as it will cause separation. Ethanol is preferable to methanol. Carrier is advised to carry a small amount of denatured ethanol with him to clean tools and valves.Cleaning of spills in water
Contrary to oil spills, BioOil being heavier, in water it will quickly sink to the bottom where much of it will dissolve with time (up to 65%), because parts of it are water-soluble (J.Blin, G. Volle, P. Girard, “Biodegradability of Fast Pyrolysis Oil”, CIRAD Forestry Department, International Research Centre for Agricultural and Development, France).BioOil data sheet for tanker shipment
TDG information
UN Number: UN1993Cleaning agents
To clean BioOil from equipment, denatured ethanol (recommended) and methanol are both good cleaning agents for BioOil. Obtain their MSDS information and observe that they have their own dangers (poisonous and flammable).Shipment of BioOil

BioOil Tanker

Note:
BioOil Material Safety Data Sheet
Section I Hazardous Ingredients
Ingredients |
CAS Registry Number |
Concentration (%-weight/weight) |
Acetic acid |
64-19-7 |
from 1 to 5 % |
Acetone |
67-64-1 |
from 1 to 5 % |
Formaldehyde |
50-00-0 |
from 1 to 5 % |
Formic acid |
64-18-6 |
from 1 to 5 % |
Glyoxal |
107-22-2 |
from 1 to 5 % |
Section II Preparation Information
Prepared on July 18, 2006 by:Corporate Headquarters
Angus Corporate Centre| T: (604) 267-6000 |
| T: 1-877-863-2268 |
| F: (604) 267-6005 |
| info@dynamotive.com |
Dynamotive USA, Inc. |
First Resources Corporation |
Dynamotive Latinoamericana |
| 1650 Tysons Boulevard Suite 1550 McLean, VA 22102 U.S.A. |
6520 Salish Drive Vancouver, BC V6N 2C7 Canada |
Av. Quintana 585, 6º piso (C1129ABB) Buenos Aires Argentina |
| T: (703) 336-8450 | T: (604) 267-6040 | T: (54 11) 4802 2220 |
| F: (703) 336-8462 | F: (604) 267-6005 | F: (54 11) 4802 1211 |
Section III Product Information
| Manufacturer: | Emergency Phone Numbers: | |||||||||||||||||||
|
Corporate Headquarters Angus Corporate Centre1700 West 75th Avenue Suite 230 Vancouver BC V6P 6G2 Canada
|
Dynamotive (604) 267-6000CANUTEC (24 hours)(613) 996-6666 |
| Product Name: | BioOil |
| Synonyms: | Pyrolysis oil, biomass pyrolysis oil |
| UN number: | UN1993 |
| TDG Shipping Name: | Flammable Liquid N.O.S. (lignin solution) |
| TDG Classification: | Class 3, Packing Group III |
| Use: | Applications as a liquid fuel or raw material for industrial processes |
Section IV Physical Data
| Physical State: | Liquid |
| Appearance: | Dark brown liquid |
| Odour: | Smoky odour |
| Odour Threshold: | Not applicable |
| Vapour Pressure: | ~5 kPa at 38 °C |
| Vapour Density: | Not available |
| Evaporation Rate: | Not available |
| Boiling Point: | Not available |
| Freezing Point: | Not available |
| pH: | ~2.2 |
| Specific gravity: | ~1.2 / ASTM D4052 |
| Pour point: | -21 °C to -33 °C / ASTM D97 |
| Coefficient of Water/Oil Distribution: | Not available |
Section V Fire or Explosion Hazard
| Conditions of flammability: | WHMIS Class B, Division 3. Combustible liquid. Flammable at extremely high temperatures. BioOil consists of about 25% water. When BioOil is distilled to 250 °C, the collected distillate is about 35% of original weight. |
| Extinguishing media: | Water, foam, carbon dioxide, dry chemical. Fire fighters should wear self-contained breathing apparatus. |
| Flash point/method: | 48 - 55 °C / ASTM D93 |
| UEL: | Not available |
| LEL: | Not available |
| Auto-ignition temperature: | ~500°C |
| Hazardous Combustion Products: | COx |
| Explosion Data | Sensitivity to mechanical impact: no Sensitivity to static discharge: no |
Section VI Reactivity Data
| Conditions of Instability: | Normally stable |
| Incompatibilities: | Oxidizers |
| Conditions of Reactivity: | High temperatures may generate highly flammable volatile organics. |
| Hazardous Decomposition Products: | Carbon monoxide, acetone, formaldehyde and other volatile organics. |
Section VII Toxicological Properties
| Route of Entry: | ||
| * Skin contact: * Skin absorption: * Eye contact: |
May irritate No information available Eyes are sensitive to BioOil with probable corneal damage resulting from exposure. Refer to section IX for first aid measures |
|
| * Inhalation: * Ingestion: |
Irritating and can be harmful to respiratory tract Irritating and can be harmful to gastro-intestinal tract |
|
| LC50: | Not available | |
| LD50: | > 2000 mg/kg body weight (oral, rat) | |
| Exposure limits: | Not established | |
| Effects of Acute Exposure: | Coughing or mild breathing difficulties may result. | |
| Effects of Chronic Exposure: | No information available | |
| Irritancy: | No experimental information available | |
| Sensitizing capability: | No information available | |
| Carcinogenicity: | No information available | |
| Reproductive toxicity: | No information available | |
| Teratogenicity: | No information available | |
| Mutagenicity | Mutagenic tests: | |
|
||
| Toxicologically Synergistic Products: | No information available | |
Section VIII Preventive Measures
| Engineering Controls: | Engineering control measures to reduce hazardous exposures are preferred. Methods include mechanical ventilation (dilution and local exhaust), control of personnel exposure, control of process conditions and process modification. Administrative controls and personal protective equipment may also be required. | |
| Personal protective equipment: | ||
| * Gloves: * Respiratory protection: * Eye protection: * Clothing: |
Neoprene, latex or equivalent Fume hood or NIOSH/MSHA approved organic vapour respirator as appropriate Chemical safety goggles Plastic apron, sleeves and boots as appropriate |
|
| Storage Requirements: | Store in suitable labeled acid-proof steel or plastics such as PETE, PP, HDPE containers. Keep containers tightly closed when not in use and when empty. Protect from damage. Store in a cool, dry, well ventilated area, out of direct sunlight. Store away from oxidants. | |
| Handling Procedures and Equipment: | Follow routine safe handling procedures. | |
| Leak or Spill Cleanup: | Before dealing with spills take necessary protective measures, inform others to keep at a safe distance and shut off all possible sources of ignition. Mix with absorbent such as floor dry, transfer carefully to container and arrange removal by disposal company. Wash site of spill thoroughly with water. | |
| Disposal: | Follow all federal, provincial and local regulations for disposal. Use only licensed disposal and waste hauling companies. Disposal of small amounts of spilled material may be handled as described under “Leak or Spill Cleanup”. Large spills must be dealt with separately and must be handled by qualified disposal companies. | |
| Special Shipping Information: | Follow all TDG regulations and see classification in Section III. | |
Section IX First Aid Measures
Skin: |
Flush the contact area with lukewarm running water for at least 15 minutes. Remove contaminated clothing, taking care not to spread the chemical. If contamination is extensive, remove the clothing under running water. Discard or decontaminate clothing before use. Unless contact has been slight, seek medical attention. Seek medical attention if irritation persists. |
Eye: |
Flush the contaminated eye(s) for at least 15 minutes with lukewarm running water, holding the eyelids open. Take care not to rinse contaminated water into the non-affected eye. Always seek medical attention for accidents involving the eyes. |
Inhalation: |
Take proper precautions to ensure your own safety before attempting rescue. Remove source of contamination or move victim to fresh air. If breathing has stopped, trained personnel should begin artificial respiration, or if the heart has stopped, cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) immediately. Seek medical attention. |
Ingestion: |
Never give anything by mouth if victim is rapidly losing consciousness, or is unconscious or convulsing. Rinse mouth thoroughly with water. Do not induce vomiting. Have victim drink 200 to 400 mL of water to dilute. If breathing has stopped, trained personnel should begin artificial respiration, or if the heart has stopped, cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) immediately. |
Related Links
Biotox Final Publishable Report - BioOil (external link, pdf format)