By Rajat Bhardwaj, Research Scientist TNO

Via molten metal pyrolysis Hydrogen is produced without CO2 emissions. Carbon is produced instead of CO2. This carbon can be sold as product for applications such as tires, pigments in polymers, rubbers and energetic electrode materials.
The technology is at least 25 % more cost effective compared to other ways of producing H2 without CO2 emission. The molten metal acts as catalyst, which lowers the operating temperature of the process to about 1000 °C. This temperature is considerably lower than the temperature in blast furnaces in the steel industry that operate at about 1600 °C. Most components of the molten metal pyrolysis technology can be based on existing large-scale technologies, e.g. high temperature molten metal processing at steel manufacturing, hydrogen separation and transport at Hydrogen Reformers, carbon handling and storage of carbon black production.

The key gap remaining in the implementation of the technology is the carbon separation. Molten salts are used to create a separation layer using density differences. TNO (Nederlandse Organisatie voor Toegepast-Natuurwetenschappelijk Onderzoek) has an Intellectual Property position on this.
TNO has experience in gas treatment for more than 30 years. This experience and recent work with molten metals and salts resulted in developing this new technology. The next step is to take this technology towards a commercial demonstration project in the coming three to five years. By 2021, a first continuous process is envisaged. TNO has established collaboration with companies and universities seeking to strengthen the vision further.

Presentation file here

Development schedule here

By Laurent Antoni, President of Hydrogen Europe Research

Hydrogen, as a clean, safe and versatile energy carrier, is part of the energy transition and is key to enable the renewable energy system and to decarbonize end uses. Hydrogen is the only zero-emission energy carrier with electrons. Hydrogen technologies are mature and have significant potential across all applications, in particular when looking for high payload, high autonomy and flexibility. A global collaborative approach of policy makers, investors and industry is needed today to enable the full potential of hydrogen in the energy transition.
Hydrogen & Fuel Cells are today! An international momentum worldwide with a strong position in Asia (Japan, South Korea and now China) but a strong European Public-Private Partnership with close collaboration between Industry (Hydrogen Europe Industry) and Research (Hydrogen Europe Research) is in place.
Industry sector can be an important costumer of the hydrogen sector in order to achieve its decarbonizing targets owing to “decarbonised” hydrogen.

Presentation file here

By Mark Wanders and Goodarz Talebi, Technip Benelux

Fast Pyrolysis Bio‐Oil (FPBO) is a dark brownish syrup which is produced by thermochemical decomposition of (nonfood) cellulosic biomass. It can be used as a sustainable alternative to fossil fuels to produce renewable energy, transportation fuels and chemicals. In this lecture an introduction will be given on Fast Pyrolysis Bio‐Oil technology, production and applications.
TechnipFMC uses proven BTG‐BTL Fast Pyrolysis Bio‐Oil (FPBO) technology as a commercial attractive way to produce advanced (second generation) biofuels. Complete turnkey FPBO units, including engineering, procurement and construction (EPC), with core components of the plant based exclusively on BTG‐BTL patented FPBO licensed technology are delivered.

Experience in the design and commercial operation of one of the world’s first FPBO production facilities (Empyro – Energy and Materials from Pyrolysis), resulted in a recent awarded EPC project.
TechnipFMC’s Fluid Catalytic Cracking (FCC) technology is developed to enable co‐processing FPBO to produce renewable, second generation biofuels. This approach will enable the refining industry to produce biofuels and high‐value bio‐based chemicals without changing the existing refinery infrastructure.

Presentation file here

By Jan Steegstra, Director Technologies Business Development, Chevron Lummus Global

The lecture provides a deep insight into technologies for high or quasi-total conversion of vacuum residue. The presenter is discussing process and catalytic challenges of dealing with the conversion of vacuum residue along with actual commercial examples. In addition, the conversion of light and heavy distillate products of vacuum residue hydrocracking to finished transportation fuels or petrochemicals is accentuated.
Chevron Lummus Global is implementing major upgrading programs in various parts of the world, all dealing with reducing bottoms and maximizing middle distillates and/or petro-chemicals. The presenter will give examples based on proven technological solutions with emphasis on reliability.

Presentation file here