Digitalisation and fiber optics for sustainable fuel

Important results from the project

The aim of the project has been to increase the knowledge of new chemical flow processes by detailed measurement of the temperature profile inside a miniaturized flow reactor, and how the profile changes due to changed control parameters. This was made possible by using fiber optics (FBG technology). Data was then transferred for further processing and analysis into a data cloud structure. The good results clearly show that the technology has a very high potential for industry, especially for the often exothermic conversion of biomass as it is both scalable and process technically safe.

Expected long term effects

Results from hydrodeoxygenation of biomass into potential biofuel have shown fiber measurement and mapping of the temperature profile inside a flow reactor to be a valuable analysis tool to monitor the reactor status and the actual reaction. It is, e.g., possible to obtain power and kinetics data for capacity optimization, service life of the reactor column, and data for cooling requirements in different parts of the reactor. We have received a good response from relevant stakeholders in various areas who also see the benefits and potential of the technology applied on their business.

Approach and implementation

This project has been interdisciplinary and has included cutting-edge expertise in advanced fiber measurement, data collection and data analysis as well as chemical process development for bio-based raw materials. The plan was to install Proximion´s fiber technology in an existing hydrodeoxygenation plant at RISE Södertälje and the generated data was collected and processed by RISE Tillämpad Digitalisering. Despite the seemingly disparate disciplines, the collaboration worked very well and has helped to broaden the views and potential opportunities for the project partners.