Method of upgrading biomass pyrolysis liquids for use as fuels and as a source of chemicals by reaction with alcohols

摘要

A method for upgrading liquid products recently obtained from the pyrolysis of biomass to obtain valuable chemicals or to upgrade the liquid products for use as renewable liquid fuels. The method solves many of the problems associated with liquid products of pyrolysis including chemical instability and aging, corrosivity, high viscosity, high water content and relatively low calorific value. The liquid products of pyrolysis are chemically combined with one or more alcohols. The preferred alcohol is ethanol. Blending of the upgraded pyrolysis products with excess alcohol extends the use of both alcohol fuels as well as biomass pyrolysis liquid fuels.