Request for information: Slurry hydrocracking of bio-oil

VTT is interested in subjecting a batch of pyrolysis bio-oil to the slurry hydroprocessing conditions. The batch of the fast pyrolysis lignocellulosic bio-oil will be between 400-500 kg and VTT expects that significant degree of deoxygenation will be achieved (at least 50% oxygen removed). Bio-oil and stabilization catalyst will be provided by VTT. Liquid products of hydropocessing will be provided by the contractor to VTT along with the campaign report. Detailed scope: Hydroprocessing of highly oxygenated pyrolysis oils is known in the art as a method to improve the properties of bio-oils for further refining to fuels and chemicals. In particular, slurry-phase hydroprocessing, performed via continuous feeding of bio-oil, dispersed catalyst and hydrogen to the continuously operated slurry hydroprocessing reactor is of interest. VTT anticipates that substantial degree of hydrodeoxygenation of stabilized pyrolysis oil will be achieved in the process. Pyrolysis oil provided by VTT originates from lignocellulosic biomass and has oxygen content of ca 37%. VTT will provide a batch of bio-oil (400-500 kg) as well as the sulfided hydroprocessing catalyst and optionally, additional sulfiding agent. The contractor is expected to have available high pressure slurry hydroprocessing system, comprising of the following: 1. Catalyst and bio-oil feed tanks, allowing for continuous feed of catalyst and bio-oil to the process 2. Hydrogen feeding capacity, assuming H2 consumption of ca 40 g/H2 per kg Bio-oil fed. 3. Reactor train (one or more reactors in series) such as CSTR or similar reactors, suitable for high temperature hydroprocessing (350-400 C, 100 bar) of total volume of at least 1-5 liters. 4. Downstream separation section allowing collection of product fractions, preferably separating them from water. Experimental campaign will be performed at the subcontractor’s facilities. VTT personnel may be present at the facilities during at least part of the campaign. The campaign is expected to be performed without major variation of production settings, however VTT expects a possibility of frequent updates from the subcontractor with an option to adjust production conditions if deemed necessary and technically feasible. Upon completion of the campaign, VTT anticipates that all product samples are collected and shipped by the subcontractor according to VTT instructions. VTT anticipates a written report on the campaign outcome. The service is related to an EU funded project. The service is expected to be performed by the end of 2025 RESPONDING TO THE REQUEST FOR INFORMATION VTT is looking for information on service providers capable of providing the services described in this request for information. VTT requests the interested service providers to respond to this notice by providing information on: - whether they can provide the described services - their available services, capabilities, and facilities related to the described service - previous experience on providing similar services - other information considered beneficial Please, send your response by e-mail to silja.kansakoski@vtt.fi by Tuesday 13th of May 2025. VTT may invite the service providers for further discussions or send additional questions by e-mail.

Please note, that this is not a procurement notice or a call for tenders. The purpose of this request for information is to conduct market consultation to support the preparation of the possible procurement process. The information provided in this RFI is preliminary and subject to change. This RFI or responding to it does not create any obligations for VTT or for those who respond to it.