PROCESS FOR CONVERSION OF BIOMASS TO FUEL

摘要

The present invention is directed to processes for the direct conversion of lipidic biomass fuelstock to combustible fuels. In particular, the invent ion provides a process for the direct conversion of animal fats to transport ations fuels suitable as replacement for petroleum-derived transportation fu els. In one embodiment, the method comprises the steps of hydrolyzing a lipi dic biomass to form free fatty acids, catalytically deoxygenating the free f atty acids to form n-alkanes, and reforming at least a portion of the n-alka nes into a mixture of compounds in the correct chain length, conformations, and ratio to be useful transportation fuels. Particularly, the product prepa red according to the invention comprises mixtures of hydrocarbon compounds s elected from the group consisting of n-alkanes, isoalkanes, aromatics, cyclo alkanes, and combinations thereof.