Thermo-catalytic reforming of pulper rejects from a secondary fibre mill

This paper investigates thermal conversion of pre-treated pulper reject waste using a Thermo-Catalytic Reforming process (TCR®) for production of biofuels. Approximately 40% of the original feedstock energy was transferred to the solid and liquid energy vectors. The bio-oil organic fraction accounts for approximately 35% of total liquid yield with a HHV of 40.17 MJ/kg. The two most abundant compounds were oleic acid methyl ester (18.90%; C18:1 FAME) and naphthalene (16.23%). The bio-oil exhibits characteristics well suited for blending with fossil fuels. The other products formed was a synthesis gas with hydrogen content of 29.33 vol% which is attractive for hydrogen separation for hydrogen fuel cell vehicles, process heating and other high value applications. The gasification of char is also a promising valorisation opportunity. TCR technology was able to tolerate high plastic content in the feedstock and produced a liquid fuel analogue to the fossil fuels, therefore, this paper highlighted the advantages of the TCR technology as a promising route for pulper rejects valorisation to produce energy vectors.