RTP
In less than two seconds, Rapid Thermal Processing (RTP™) technology converts biomass into a
liquid asset.
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This RTP technology is a fast thermal process in which biomass, usually forest residuals or agricultural by-products, is rapidly heated to approximately 500°C in the absence of oxygen. A circulating transported fluidized bed reactor system similar to the one used in the UOP Fluid Catalytic Cracking (FCC) technology is at the heart of the process.
A tornado of hot sand vaporizes the biomass, which is then rapidly quenched, typically yielding 65wt% to 75wt% RTP green fuel. This pourable liquid can then be used as fuel for industrial heat or electrical generation, or it eventually can be further upgraded to produce transportation fuels.
RTP green fuel: a clean-burning, sustainable cost-effective fuel oil substitute
RTP green fuel has virtually no sulfur and is produced in a nearly carbon-neutral way, making it ideal for companies wishing to reduce their carbon footprint. It can be adapted for use in a wide variety of industries including electrical generation, forestry, refining and petrochemicals, pulp and paper and most energy-intensive heavy industry.
RTP also produces char and a non-condensable gas, both of which can be used to provide process energy in the reheater to maintain the RTP process and/or in the dryer to condition the biomass.
This makes the RTP process virtually self-sustaining.
RTP offers exceptional versatility
- Minimal utility and infrastructure requirements – ideal for remote or existing facilities
- Handles a wide range of feedstocks – forestry and agricultural residuals, lignin material from the pulp and paper industry, post-consumer, wood-based construction and demolition materials as well as sustainable energy crops such as miscanthus and switch grass
- Compact, modular construction can reduce the total installed cost and shorten the delivery schedule
RTP Yields
Rapid Thermal Processing quickly converts relatively low-value feedstock into high-value liquid biofuel delivering up to 8,680 Btu per pound.
| Biomass Material | Yield (wt%) | Gross Caloric Value (MJ/kg) | Higher Heating Value (Btu/lb) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Hardwood | 70-75 | 17.2 - 19.1 | 7,400 - 8,000 |
| Softwood | 70-80 | 17.0 - 18.6 | 7,300 - 8,000 |
| Hardwood Bark | 60-65 | 16.7 - 20.2 | 7,180 - 8,680 |
| Softwood Bark | 55-65 | 16.7 - 19.8 | 7,180 - 8,500 |
| Corn Fiber | 65-75 | 17.6 - 20.2 | 7,570 - 8,680 |
| Bagasse | 70-75 | 18.9 - 19.1 | 8,100 - 8,200 |