Neat methyl laurate was chosen as a model compound of liquid biomass for this research. Removal of oxygen from biomass is a key step in the elevation of their energy intensities for military uses. Canola oil and its biodiesel, spent waste kitchen oil and its biodiesel, NSWC-02 biodiesel (6/13/08), Energy BLD 9738 (1/8/08), and Wallace biodiesel (7/14/2008), in addition to methyl laurate were deoxygenated with hydrogen and a catalyst.

Oxygen from methyl laurate and liquid biomass is removed at 250 – 1220 psig initial cold hydrogen pressure and 300 – 400oC, using a 316 stainless steel batch reactor. Removal of oxygen from liquid methyl laurate and other liquid biomass is evaluated with a GC/MS analyzer for liquid reaction products and another GC for gaseous reaction products. The range of reaction duration of liquid biomass in the batch reactor is 30 – 60 minutes under the deoxygenating conditions. Conversion of liquid biomass into gaseous products was evaluated with analysis data of gas products and a mass balance.

The objective of this research is to develop an efficient method of removing oxygen from liquid biomass to produce petroleum-comparative liquid hydrocarbons with the following specific aims:

1. Formulate catalysts for the removal of oxygen from liquid biomass.

2. Test capabilities of deoxygenating liquid biomass with formulated catalysts.

3. Identify reaction conditions suitable for the conversion of liquid biomass into hydrocarbon fuels

4. Determine reaction mechanisms on the removal of oxygen compounds from liquid biomass.