Determination of basic fuel quality standards for biomass-derived pyrolysis liquids

The uptake of biomass-derived pyrolysis liquids for use in heat and power applications depends on the ease of use and acceptability of the fuel by the end user and equipment providers. As part of an EU-funded ALTENER II contract, one of the aims is to derive standards for biomass derived pyrolysis liquids, based on a consensus between equipment providers (boilers, engines and turbines) and the liquids producers. Five basic properties (homogeneity, water content, solids content, stability, flash point) for the liquids are used as the primary criteria for pyrolysis liquid evaluation. Specific values are proposed to ensure that pyrolysis liquids meet a minimum grade acceptable for use as a fuel oil (''premium'' grade) in boilers and engines. Data on emissions from boilers, engines and turbines are presented. At present, there is not enough long duration data available to allow further more detailed specifications on secondary properties to be made, or define standards for liquids in turbines. The aim is to ensure that a realistic set of specifications are determined to allow the introduction into existing fuel infrastructures and markets, initially perceived as the domestic heating fuel oil markets in Scandinavia.