Initial Assessment of U.S. Refineries for Purposes of Potential Bio-Based Oil Insertions

Abstract

SUMMARYIn order to meet U.S. biofuel objectives over the coming decade the conversion of a broad range of biomass feedstocks, using diverse processing options, will be required. Further, the production of both gasoline and diesel biofuels will employ biomass conversion methods that produce wide boiling range intermediate oils requiring treatment similar to conventional refining processes (i.e. fluid catalytic cracking, hydrocracking, and hydrotreating). As such, it is widely recognized that leveraging existing U.S. petroleum refining infrastructure is key to reducing overall capital demands. This study examines how existing U.S. refining location, capacities and conversion capabilities match in geography and processing capabilities with the needs projected from anticipated biofuels production.At a national level, there appears to be adequate conversion and hydrotreating facilities in existing refineries to process anticipated bio-derived oils into transportation fuels. However, numerous concerns are apparent, including: a potential shortfall in both overall hydrotreating capacity and hydrogen production capacity in refineries to manage the conversion of certain biomass derived intermediates having high oxygen content; a regional concentration of anticipated biofuel resources, placing added stress in particular refining regions (e.g. the Gulf Coast); uncertainties surrounding the impact of biomass derived intermediates on the refiner's ability to meet product performance and product quantity demands, and the need for better and more comprehensive chemical composition information; the need for considerably more data and experience on the behavior of projected biofuels intermediates in refining processes (e.g. impacts on process performance and reliability); and  the need to examine the optimum capital investment locations for additional processing equipment. For example, whether it is better to produce finished biofuels at the new production sites, or whether existing refining facilities should be expanded to better handle a more 'raw' bio-oil intermediate.Responding to these concerns may be best accomplished by creating a strong collaboration between the refining industry and the national programs that are working in the field of biomass research. The intent is to identify priorities and opportunities for filling critical knowledge and experience gaps and directing investments in a manner that best supports biofuels objectives.

Potential synergies of drop‐in biofuel production with further co‐processing at oil refineries

“…A recent review by PNNL describes the US refineries that could be well suited to ‘biorefinery integration’, based on configuration . It was apparent that two characteristics are important in a refinery integrated with biobased intermediates, namely processes that convert large molecules into smaller molecules (cracking, with or without hydrogen) and processes that remove oxygen, primarily through hydrotreating.…”

“…It was apparent that two characteristics are important in a refinery integrated with biobased intermediates, namely processes that convert large molecules into smaller molecules (cracking, with or without hydrogen) and processes that remove oxygen, primarily through hydrotreating. Earlier work has suggested that refineries that have no hydrotreating facilities are not suited for upgrading bio‐feedstocks unless oxygen removal is carried out prior to insertion …”

Resource recovery and waste-to-energy from wastewater sludge via thermochemical conversion technologies in support of circular economy: a comprehensive review

“…However, an alternative to this would be the transportation and subsequent upgrading of these bio-oils in a conventional petroleum refinery. As certain studies suggest, it would save a lot of capital investment and be economically feasible if the price of the bio-oil sold is comparable to crude petroleum prices [131].…”

Effi ciency of Production of Motor Biofuels for Water and Land Transport

“…Cracking is carried out with the aid of a catalyst, aerated by steam and acting as a liquid. Catalytic cracking refers to the most extensive processes in the developed countries of the world, such as the USA, Arab Emirates, Great Britain, and makes up to 35 % of the capacity of primary processing of crude oil [34].…”

“…The co-processing in FCC blocks is a new and promising way of converting bio-oil into renewable gasoline and diesel fuel. Current studies are mainly aimed at revealing the potential of this technology and suggest that the coprocessing can provide significant potential for using the existing processing infrastructure for the processing of biomass, mainly lignocellulosic raw materials, and increase the supply of bio-oil to the market [34,35].…”