Conversion of Pulp Sludges to High-Value Fuels by Extruder-Feeder Liquefaction Process, 1994 Environmental Conference Proceedings

D.H. White, C.W. Bryant, R.A. Sierka, D. Wolf

A promising alternative energy liquefaction process was developed and pilot-tested in the 1980’s under DOE-sponsorship to convert wood to a clean, 16,000 BTU/lb liquid fuel. The process has been redesigned and directed toward organic solid wastes. The feasibility of applying this process to wood pulp wastewater sludges is evaluated and discussed in the paper. The effects of water content and sludge composition are considered. An example application for the pulp and paper industry is evaluated in concept.

An extruder-feeder liquefaction process for converting biomass to oils and “value-added” by-products was developed in an orderly manner over the past 20 years. It started with the basic laboratory work in the early 1970’s at the U.S. Bureau of Mines. It was part of the R&D thrust for obtaining liquid fuels by alternative energy processes when the price of petroleum crude oils was rapidly increased.