Pilot Scale Process Development for Generation of Pyrolysis Oil from Multifeed (Biomass, Tyre, Plastic) and its Co-Processing in Refinery and Valorization of Biochar with LCA and Techno-Economic Assessment (TERI-IOCL Collaboration under CHT-MoPNG

This project supported by Centre for Higher Technology (CHT), Indian Oil Corporation Limited (IOCL), marks a pivotal step towards advancing sustainable energy solutions and waste management practices in India. This project focuses on the pilot-scale development and optimization of pyrolysis technology for the conversion of various Indian biomass feedstocks, waste tyres, and selected plastic wastes into valuable products such as bio-oil (pyrolysis oil) and biochar, with an integrated approach towards product upgradation, co-processing in refineries. It includes co-pyrolysis studies, catalytic upgradation of bio-oil, and conversion of biochar to activated carbon. The project also explores refinery co-processing, chemical recovery, and use of biochar. A detailed techno-economic analysis and life cycle assessment will evaluate economic viability and environmental impact.

In India, technologies for producing pyrolytic bio-crude have progressed to the pilot scale, while upgrading processes to create refinery-grade bio-crude are still in the laboratory stage. However, the absence of mature pyrolysis technology and the limited feasibility of oil refineries to conduct extensive testing and evaluation of bio-crude have led to a lack of primary data on bio-crude co-refining in the Indian context.TERI maintains a Thermochemical Conversion Lab that conducts advance research in pyrolysis Technology for production of biofuel/ green fuels (SAF, biodiesel, green methanol), Bio char and Activated carbon, and Pyrolysis oil to refinery grade oil. To its credit, TERI has been granted 2 patented on pyrolysis technology which is presently in TRL 6 and under process upscaled to TRL 8