Process for the production of bio-oil from biomass

Abstract

Process for the production of bio-oil from biomass comprising the following steps: (a) feeding a biomass to a liquefaction reactor, said biomass having a protein content higher than or equal to 1% by weight, preferably ranging from 5% by weight to 50% by weight, with respect to the weight (dry weight) of said biomass, a lipid content higher than or equal to 1% by weight, preferably ranging from 5% by weight to 60% by weight, with respect to the weight (dry weight) of said biomass, a pH higher than or equal to 4, preferably ranging from 4.5 to 10; (b) subjecting said biomass to liquefaction operating at a temperature ranging from 220° C. to 350° C., preferably ranging from 230° C. to 310° C., even more preferably ranging from 240° C. to 300° C., at a pressure higher than the vapour pressure of water at the temperature in which said liquefaction is carried out, for a time ranging from 30 minutes to 300 minutes, preferably ranging from 50 minutes to 270 minutes, obtaining a mixture comprising an oily phase consisting of bio-oil, a solid phase, a gaseous phase and an aqueous phase. The bio-oil (or bio-crude) thus obtained can be advantageously used as such, or, after optional upgrading treatments, in the production of biofuels or biocombustibles that can, in turn, be used as such or in a mixture with other fuels, for motor vehicles. Or, said bio-oil (or bio-crude) can be used in a mixture with fossil fuels (fuel oil, coal, etc.) for the generation of electric energy or heat.