Mark Stumborg

Hydroprocessed vegetable oils for diesel fuel improvement

Abstract The Saskatchewan Research Council (SRC), in cooperation with Natural Resources Canada and Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada, investigated the use of conventional refinery technology to convert vegetable oils into a product resembling diesel fuel. SRC found that the use of a medium severity refinery hydroprocess yielded a product (‘super cetane’) in the diesel boiling range with a high cetane value (55–90). Preliminary engine testing by ORTECH has shown that the impact of the ‘super cetane’/diesel mixture (‘green diesel’) on engine emissions is similar to the impact cetane enhancement via a nitrate additive has when added to conventional diesel fuel. Advantages of hydroprocessing over esterification in the Canadian context include lower processing cost, compatibility with infrastructure, engines and fuel standards, and feed stock flexibility. Further research in the areas of process optimization, alternative feed stock selection, cold flow properties, and multi-cylinder emission testing is planned. In cooperation with a commercialization partner, Arbokem Inc., pilot testing of the hydroprocess was done and was proven successful. A fleet demonstration and evaluation is currently underway.

Technoeconomic analysis of wheat straw densification in the Canadian Prairie Province of Manitoba

This study presents a technoeconomic analysis of wheat straw densification in Canadas prairie province of Manitoba as an integral part of biomass-to-cellulosic-ethanol infrastructure. Costs of wheat straw bale and pellet transportation and densification are analysed, including densification plant profitability. Wheat straw collection radius increases nonlinearly with pellet plant capacity, from 9.2 to 37km for a 2-35tonnesh(-1) plant. Bales are cheaper under 250km, beyond which the cheapest feedstocks are pellets from the largest pellet plant that can be built to exploit economies of scale. Feedstocks account for the largest percentage of variable costs. Marginal and average cost curves suggest Manitoba could support a pellet plant up to 35tonnesh(-1). Operating below capacity (75-50%) significantly erodes a plants net present value (NPV). Smaller plants require higher NPV break-even prices. Very large plants have considerable risk under low pellet prices and increased processing costs.

Agricultural Biomass Resources in Canada

A number of national and global issues have encouraged Canada to consider biomass resources for energy and materials. These include climate change and greenhouse gas issues, real energy price increases, and a need for rural diversification and revitalization. Crop residues appear to offer a low cost biomass supply in the near term. However, existing uses for animal bedding and soil amendment compete against the potential value of crop residues as an industrial feed stock. Opportunities for residue removal may exist provided economically viable markets are developed for the material and long term soil sustainability concerns are addressed. Recent research on the effect of residue removal has shown that there is little or no impact on soil organic matter provided adequate fertilization is practised and tillage is reduced. Using long term combine test data, crop residue production was modelled in a GIS format for the three Prairie Provinces. Corn stover production was evaluated in Eastern Canada using actual field measurements. Assuming that 750 kg ha-1 of retained residue is adequate for erosion protection in reduced tillage systems, significant quantities of residues may be available for export from cereal and corn fields. The potential economic returns to producers are such that residue export is an attractive diversification option.