The Riograndense Refinery (RPR) successfully carried out a co-processing test of 5% biomass pyrolysis oil or bio-oil (non-food biomass raw material) with mineral filler. As a result, the refinery, located in Rio Grande (RS) and in which Petrobras, Ultra and Braskem have equity interests, became the first in the country capable of producing fuels with cellulosic content.
Using technology developed by Petrobras, the co-processing test took place at the RPR catalytic cracking unit (FCC), lasted 7 days and was completed on February 17. A highly specialized technical team from Petrobras and Riograndense monitored the planning and execution of the procedures, providing support during the commissioning, start-up, operation and shutdown stages of the bio-oil supply and injection system at the unit.
Bio-oil is a viscous, dark-colored liquid rich in organic compounds. Like petroleum, it requires additional treatments to be used in engines or turbines. When co-processed at RPR’s FCC unit, it was converted into several fractions such as fuel gas, LPG and components for formulating gasoline and marine fuel with renewable content.
Courtesy of Petrobras.