Separation Technique and Product Evaluation in Hydrothermal Liquefaction (HTL) Thermochemical Conversion Technique

Abstract

Hydrothermal liquefaction (HTL) is a promising thermochemical conversion technique for the
conversion of biomass into biofuels and value-added chemicals. This process involves the
treatment of biomass in hot, pressurized water, resulting in the production of a liquid product
known as bio-crude. However, the complexity of the bio-crude mixture necessitates effective
separation techniques to isolate valuable components. This abstract explores various separation
techniques employed in HTL processes, including solvent extraction, fractional distillation, and
membrane separation, highlighting their principles and applications. Additionally, the evaluation
of HTL products is essential to assess their quality and suitability for different applications.
Analytical methods such as gas chromatography-mass spectrometry (GC-MS), high-performance
liquid chromatography (HPLC), and Fourier transform infrared (FTIR) spectroscopy are
commonly used for product characterization. Understanding the principles and applications of
separation techniques and product evaluation methods is crucial for optimizing HTL processes
and maximizing the value of bio-crude production.