A step change towards sustainable aviation fuel from sewage sludge

Sewage sludge, an abundant and problematic organic waste, was successfully converted into sustainable jet fuel range hydrocarbons (C8-C16). sludge pre-conditioned processed through a Thermo-Catalytic Reforming (TCR) system (2 Kg/h) at 450 ºC pyrolysis 700 post-reforming temperature to produce biocrude oil. The bio-crude oil subsequently conditioned upgraded via consecutive two-step hydroprocessing, comprising hydrodeoxygenation hydrocracking as two separate unit operations. hydroprocessing carried out in bench-scale batch high-pressure reactor (autoclave). process parameters such temperature, feed volume, catalyst loading, time were held constant, whilst the H2 pressure varied. effect of across 30 – 60 bar on quality hydroprocessed evaluated terms elemental composition, chemical compound distribution, properties. Hydroprocessing resulted better properties compared H2. Hence, approximately 25% by weight fraction, including normal, cyclo iso-paraffins aromatics C8–C16 range, recovered atmospheric distillation derived fraction met majority specifications for calorific value, viscosity, density, freeze point under ASTM D7566 standard. Some smoke, flash total acid number slightly fell specifications. also produced green naphtha diesel by-products. In addition, further tested reusability regeneration potential that showed promising results future research.