Modification of a pilot-scale continuous flow reactor for hydrothermal liquefaction of wet biomass.

A pilot-scale continuous flow reactor (CFR) was modified for hydrothermal liquefaction (HTL) of algae slurry under subcritical conditions to investigate the feasibility of scaling up from batch to continuous processing. Modifications included a novel dual filter system that can remove solids at system pressure and temperature, and undergo in-situ cleaning. Commissioning was carried out to address potential particle settling and clogging problems, and to estimate reactor transport characteristics.