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Oxford Catalysts has developed a new cobalt-based catalyst that could enable small-scale efficient biofuel production from agricultural waste.

Because it takes one tonne of agricultural waste to produce one barrel of second-generation biofuel, it makes environmental and economical sense to convert waste locally.

Special reactors called microchannel reactors ideal for such small-scale, locally distributed waste conversion. This kind of waste conversion relies on a process called the Fischer Tropsch reaction. Microreactors allow efficient and precise temperature control, which is crucial for optimising this process, and also dissipate the heat produced by the reaction more efficiently than more conventional systems.

The new catalyst improves the performance of microchannel reactors and Oxford Catalysts are working with a developer to adopt the technology.

“The next stage will involve working closely with a catalyst producer to supply tonnage quantities for use in demonstration units,” says Derek Atkinson of Oxford Catalysts.

For further information:
www.oxfordcatalysts.com