Petroleum substitute comprised of an organic solvent extract of a woody tree biomass

摘要

A hydrocarbon composition that is produced through a solvent extraction of woody tree material is provided. The composition is suitable for use as a petroleum substitute. The woody tree material is sourced from hydrocarbon-bearing trees or shrubs containing relatively low molecular weight hydrocarbons. Suitable tree species include pine and eucalyptus trees. A raw woody tree biomass is processed into solvent-permeable particles and chips. Naturally occurring hydrocarbons found in the wood particles are extracted using an organic solvent extraction process. The organic solvent utilized is a mixture of organic solvents that includes a non-polar solvent and a polar solvent. The extracted hydrocarbons are separated from the solvent mixture and may be used as a petroleum substitute, while the solvent may be reused in the extraction operation.