Thermochemical Conversion of Milkweed-A Catalyst Study

Abstract

This presentation will report on catalyst study and fractional factorial experiments used to explore the possibilities of thermochemily converting milkweed (Asclepias speciosa) into liquid and gaseous fuels.

The processes studied used whole as well as extractive-free-residue and several different catalyst systems. All catalyst behave similarly except Ruthenium Dioxide. This catalyst was unique in three respects: little or no tar/oil, more alcohols/ketones, and formation of wax-like substance.

The fractional factorial design was used to incorporate various process parameters (time, temperature, pressure, and catalyst/biomass ratio).

A Yates Analysis was used to determine the relative effects of each parameter on the reaction. Preliminary results from the above mentioned design will be presented along with potential applications of this catalyst system to other biomass sources as described in the author’s recently issued patent.