Patent ID: 8083900
Filing Date: 2011-12-27
Classification: C10G

Abstract:
1. A process for producing bio-oil, said process comprising: (a) thermochemically converting biomass in a conversion reactor to thereby produce a conversion effluent comprising vapor conversion products; (b) partially condensing at least a portion of said vapor conversion products in a partial condenser to thereby produce a first water-rich overhead stream comprising noncondensable gases, water, and light organic compounds and a first water-depleted stream comprising condensed bio-oil, wherein said partial condenser operates at a bottom temperature of at least 115° C.; (c) separating at least a portion of said first water-rich overhead stream in a separator to thereby produce a second water-rich stream comprising water and water-soluble light organic compounds and a second water-depleted stream comprising water-insoluble light organic compounds; and (d) introducing a reflux stream into said partial condenser, wherein said reflux stream comprises at least a portion of said first water-depleted stream and/or at least a portion of said second water-depleted stream.