Use of well mixed, backmixed reactors for processing of unstable bio feedstocks

Abstract

In the present invention, pyrolysis oil is processed in a well mixed or a back mixed reactor to prevent the plugging up of a reactor that otherwise occurs. The pyrolysis oil can then be further upgraded in a hydroprocessing reactor through use of an appropriate catalyst.

1 . A process of upgrading a pyrolysis oil comprising sending said pyrolysis oil to a well-mixed reactor or a back-mixed reactor to produce an upgraded pyrolysis oil. 
     
     
         2 . The process of  claim 1  further comprising sending said upgraded pyrolysis oil to a reactor to further upgrade said upgraded pyrolysis oil. 
     
     
         3 . The process of  claim 1  wherein metals are removed from said pyrolysis oil in said well-mixed reactor or said back-mixed reactor. 
     
     
         4 . The process of  claim 1  wherein reactive species are removed from said pyrolysis oil in said well-mixed reactor or said back-mixed reactor. 
     
     
         5 . The process of  claim 2  wherein said upgraded pyrolysis oil is reacted with a catalyst in said reactor to cause said upgraded pyrolysis oil to be deoxygenated/hydroprocessed within said reactor. 
     
     
         6 . The process of  claim 1  wherein said upgraded pyrolysis oil is less likely to result in precipitation of solids and plugging of a reactor than a pyrolysis oil that has not been upgraded. 
     
     
         7 . The process of  claim 1  wherein said pyrolysis oil is subjected to hydroprocessing within said well mixed or said back-mixed reactor. 
     
     
         8 . The process of  claim 1  wherein said well-mixed or back mixed reactor is selected from the group consisting of stirred tank reactors, plug flow reactors with recycle, slurry reactors, gas-lift reactors and jet reactors.