This paper describes a catalytic hydrothermolysis (CH) process aimed at converting triglycerides to nonester biofuels. The CH conversion was carried out at temperatures ranging from 450 to 475 °C and a pressure of 210 bar in the presence of water with and without a catalyst. The organic phase (biocrude) from the CH process underwent post-treatment involving decarboxylation and hydrotreating. Results derived from soybean oil, jatropha oil, and tung oil show that certain biofuel fractions met JP-8 specifications and Navy distillate specifications. One of the CH biofuel characteristics is their high levels of cyclics and aromatics. Tung-oil-based biofuels derived from the CH process contain up to 60% aromatics, which can be a desirable ingredient for fuel blends involving biofuels derived from other processes or feedstocks. Results from these crop oils also suggest that the CH process can be adapted to a variety of other triglyceride feedstocks.

No abstract

Using Government drawings, specifications, or other data included in this document for any purpose other than Government procurement does not in any way obligate the U.S. Government. The fact that the Government formulated or supplied the drawings, specifications, or other data does not license the holder or any other person or corporation; or convey any rights or permission to manufacture, use, or sell any patented invention that may relate to them. This report was cleared for public release. Copies may be obtained from the Defense Technical Information Center (DTIC) (http://www.dtic.mil). AFRL-ML-TY-TR-2000-4601 has been reviewed and is approved for publication in accordance with assigned distribution statement. This document is submitted as an historical record of work performed. Limitations of the available media rendered editing impractical; therefore it is retained "as is." This report is published in the interest of scientific and technical information exchange, and its publication does not constitute the Government's approval or disapproval of its ideas or findings.