Topic 8.8:Biofuels, Exelus BTL Process

This SBIR project proposes a new approach to making liquid fuels from cellulosic biomass sources (a Biomass-to-Liquids or "BTL" process) that would significantly reduce the cost and complexity of production. The project uses innovative chemistry and reactor designs to enhance efficiency, selectivity, and reduce operating condition severity. Phase I aims to demonstrate process feasibility by determining the achievable reaction rates and selectivity. Process stability will also be verified. The data from Phase I will permit a detailed economic analysis to be performed in order to ascertain the economic viability of the technology. The fuel produced from this type of BTL plant would be completely compatible with existing fuel distribution infrastructure and motor design. These fuels would be carbon neutral and would not compete with food crops. This breakthrough process would greatly reduce both capital and operating costs of such a plant, allowing smaller plants to be built near the source of the biomass, thereby enhancing economic opportunities for rural farming communities.