Innovatek and Seattle Biofuels Generate Hydrogen from Biodiesel in Microchannel Reactor
14 March 2006
InnovaTek and Seattle BioFuels have announced the successful production of hydrogen from 100% biodiesel in a microchannel steam reformer.
InnovaTek originally developed its microchannel reformer to produce hydrogen from fossil fuels such as gasoline and diesel. In addition to biodiesel, InnovaTek has also used its technology to produce hydrogen from glycerol (a by-product of biodiesel production), and the raw soybean oil that is used to manufacture the biodiesel fuel.
The use of glycerol as a source for hydrogen has the additional advantage of producing a valuable commodity from a by-product of biodiesel production—a prospect upon which Virent has also seized in its market development for its Aqueous Phase Reformer. (Earlier post.)
The potential for hydrogen generation as a biodiesel byproduct would contribute favorably to the overall economics of the renewable fuel.
Using the InnovaGen fuel processor we can open up new markets for biodiesel and a former waste product, glycerol, further improving the environmental footprint of our facilities. We are excited to partner with InnovaTek to open these new markets.
—Martin Tobias, CEO Seattle BioFuels
InnovaTek engineered a catalyst for its microchannel reactor that is efficient in reforming a variety of types of liquids. For biodiesel, InnovaTek used steam to carbon ratios from 3 to 4, and produced hydrogen with Gas Hourly Space Velocities (GHSV—ml of gas /ml of catalyst /hour) ranging from 28,000 to 100,000, depending upon the temperature.
Results from Different Fuels | |||
---|---|---|---|
Fuel | GHSV | Temp º C | Steam:Carbon |
ULSD | 50,000 | 850 | 4.5 |
Zero-sulfur JP8 | 100,000 | 820 | 4.2 |
Gasoline | 100,000 | 835 | 4.0 |
Biodiesel | 100,000 | 835 | 3.3 |
Vegetable oil | 70,000 | 840 | 4.4 |
Glycerol | 53,000 | 840 | 9.7 |
Natural gas | 140,000 | 800 | 3.0 |
Natural gas | 210,000 | 850 | 3.0 |
InnovaTek presented its paper “Hydrogen Production from Biodiesel Fuel in a Microchannel Steam Reformer,” at the National Hydrogen Association Annual Conference this week. (Earlier post.)
A faster way to do something really stupid.
Posted by: Robert Schwartz | 15 March 2006 at 10:25 AM
I dont entirely disagree with Robert. But the way I see it, is if you are making/selling widgets and everyone needs wadgets, and you have a formula to turn widgets into wadgets, go for it. The market will determine the price. Its up to you to compete.
If hydrogen is to be the next fuel of choice, it doesnt hurt to try to find it wherever you can. I am not 100% sure hydrogen is the total answer nonetheless. May be just one of several alternatives. In fact, it's not inconceivable that each car manufacturer would have its own "alternative fuel" source. GM with E85, Honda with Hydrogen, Daimler/Chrysler/Jeep with DME (diesel substitute), or Mitsubishi with batteries. Then it may require you to go to your local dealer to "fill up/recharge".
Posted by: Mark A | 15 March 2006 at 12:04 PM
I couldn't agree with the first poster more. It just looks like a way to get a huge fed. gov't handout for hydrogen despite the illogic of what they're doing. -mt
Posted by: marshall | 15 March 2006 at 01:37 PM
If they can find a way to get hydrogen as a by-product of producing biodiesel then it is a win-win, two alternative fuels for the price of one, i dont see anything illogical about that.
Posted by: jason | 11 August 2006 at 11:47 AM
The production of biodiesel and the production of ethanol are both "energy negative." So, why bother with them? For example:
It takes a gallon of gasoline to create an energy equivalent amount of ethanol. That means, to go the same distance, a vehicle would use the equivalent of two gallons of gasoline instead of one. Completely worthless exercise in engineering capability.
Posted by: Jake Starling | 13 March 2007 at 02:57 PM