Fuel-Specification Considerations for Biomass Pyrolysis Liquids to be Used in Stationary Gas Turbines

Abstract

A review of the physical and chemical properties of various biomass pyrolysis liquids suggests that they will require special consideration for use in current gas turbines for power generation. A new balance between fuel quality and engine design characteristics will have to found for the effective use of these liquids. Unfortunately, the values of many critical properties are beyond the range of experience with any distillate fuel, residual fuel, or alternate fuel such as coal liquids or shale oil. Furthermore, there appear to be some characteristics which are new and may require additional considerations in the fuel specification. Some system testing with biomass fuels covering the range of properties will be necessary to develop relevant relationships before design modifications can be made to accommodate biomass fuels and for fuel specifications to be established.