Stepping into Valeric-Based
September 9, 2010
BY Luke Geiver
Jean-Paul Lange and partners from Shell Global Solutions say they’ve created a new class of cellulosic biofuel. First, start with lignocelluloses. Run it through an acid hydrolysis process to get levulinic acid (an additive in plastic and textile industry). Then hydrogenate the levulinic acid in a process created and tested by Netherlands-based Global Shell Solutions to make valeric acid. Finally, esterify the valeric acid to achieve the new biofuel, Lange says. When combined with other alcohols to form valerate esters, Lange and partners were able to produce cellulosic ethanol and biodiesel, or simply mix the valerate biofuel with pre-existing fuels. Lange already completed a round of testing of 10 cars on a 15 percent blend. He wrote, "The presence of [valerate biofuel] in gasoline showed no measurable impact on engine wear, oil degradation, vehicle durability, engine deposits or regulated tailpipe emissions." Lange notes a slight loss in fuel economy but improved octane levels. He and his team also say the valeric platform can be used in high blends of both gasoline and diesel.
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