Round Robin Analysis of the quality parameters of Direct Thermo Liquefaction Oils
Even though fast pyrolysis bio-oil is a standardized commodity for the use in industrial scale boilers, reliable analysis of quality parameters of DTL bio-oils remains an issue. In a recent inter-laboratory study (Interlaboratory Study of Sample Homogeneity Impact on CHNS, Water, and ICP Analysis of Biomass Liquefaction Oils, Bulsink et al., published in 2025 in Energy&Fuels,) conducted by Task 34 (Direct Thermal Liquefaction) of IEA Bioenergy TCP it was shown that specifically key metrics for emission control such as trace nitrogen and sulfur compounds are difficult to guarantee. But also more general characteristics such as e.g. carbon content shows surprising variability. These observations support the need for continuous method development in this field and reduce barriers for a broader trading of this liquid biobased commodity.
