Materials for extraction of biological oil

Challenge

Biological crude oil can potentially replace fossil oil as a fuel for heavy transport such as shipping. Extraction of biological oil takes place by heating biomass to very high temperatures in an oxygen-free environment. However, the high temperature and impurities in the biomass cause corrosion, wear and cracking of metallic materials in the furnace, which makes production more expensive.

Solution

The project will investigate degradation mechanisms for metals in connection with the production of bio-oil, e.g. by testing different steels and metal types to find the most durable and cost-optimal material. In addition, the project will test various newly developed surface treatment methods to strengthen the current materials.

Effect

The project can help to make bio-oil more competitive and thus speed up a process where bio-oil can outcompete fossil oil as a fuel in the many cases where renewable energy based on eg wind or solar can not be used.

The project was financed by the Ministry of Education and Research.