Novel bio-oil upgrading and olefin monetization technology scouting

ADI conducted a technical scan of non-hydroprocessing routes for upgrading biomass-derived pyrolysis oil, focusing on solvent extraction and membrane-based fractionation. The assessment identified high-value chemical pathways for light olefin streams, benchmarking potential products like acrylic acid and lube additives against minimum economic scale (MES) requirements.

Biomass conversion technology developer

Uncertainty regarding the feasibility of using novel separation and chemical conversion routes to upgrade unstable bio-oil into fuel-range fractions.

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ADI evaluated extractive distillation and liquid-liquid extraction methods, identifying water washing as a cost-effective initial step for phase separation.

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Analysis of ceramic and polyimide systems, including Max-Dewax benchmarks, demonstrated the potential for size-based isolation of heavy fractions.

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Using chemistry and scale as primary filters, ADI isolated four chemical applications and two fuel products viable for low-volume streams.

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Interviews with experts from firms including PNNL, GTI, and ExxonMobil provided validation for stabilization pathways and “green” chemical precursor potential.

  • Prioritized size-based membrane filtration and specialized chemical applications to maximize the value of bio-oil light ends.
Client Results
We look to ADI for specialized information around renewable fuels and feedstocks, specifically SAF and renewable diesel plants. Their specialty is the renewable fuel and bio feedstocks space, and they do a great job at that.
Jeff Warmann CEO & President, Monroe Energy

Industry experience

Drag reducing agents market analysis

ADI assessed the global drag reducing agents (DRA) market, focusing on heavy crude applications and midstream pipeline infrastructure. The analysis mapped the competitive landscape and technological differentiation between suspension and solution-based DRA chemistries. Regional growth was modeled against pipeline utilization and production forecasts for North America and the Middle East. The client Specialty chemical manufacturer […]

Catalysts and process technology intelligence

ADI provided ongoing market intelligence on catalyst innovations and licensing trends across the petrochemical value chain. The analysis focused on technology scale-up for sustainable aviation fuels (SAF), renewable diesel, and advanced plastics recycling. Strategic risks, including the impact of IMO 2020 on refinery configurations and the growth of crude-to-chemicals (COTC) projects, were evaluated. The client […]

SPF competitive landscape assessment

ADI performed a comprehensive review of vertically integrated spray polyurethane foam (SPF) producers, mapping the MDI and polyol supply chains. The study analyzed feedstock advantages in the U.S. Gulf Coast versus China and evaluated the risk of channel conflict between MDI suppliers and independent system houses. Strategic implications focused on price discipline and end-use diversification […]

Corrosion monitoring technology assessment

This assessment by ADI evaluated a fixed, wireless sensor network designed for continuous corrosion monitoring across hazardous upstream, refining, and chemical assets. Analytical modeling incorporated scale-driven reductions to project revenue over a 10-year period. The study surfaced trade-offs between system mobility and the high installation costs of competing fiber optic or electrical resistance probes. The […]

Carbon dioxide conversion pathways assessment

ADI performed a techno-economic assessment of nine CO2 conversion routes, ranging from mineralization to electrochemical synthesis of platform chemicals. The analysis utilized thermodynamic feasibility and energy-intensity metrics to rank pathways by their ability to compete with conventional fossil-based production. The client Global investment firm The situation Difficulty in prioritizing investments across a fragmented landscape of […]

Carbon dioxide conversion pathways techno-economic assessment

ADI prioritized nine CO2​-to-value pathways, ranging from carbon mineralization for cement to electrochemical routes for circular fuels. The work assessed the energy intensity and technology readiness of photocatalysis and chemo-enzymatic conversion. Analytical modeling of breakeven costs was conducted to identify the most commercially attractive products in the near-term. The client Global investment firm The situation […]

Global PEM electrolyzer and GDL market assessment

ADI evaluated the market for carbon paper gas diffusion layers (GDL) within the rapidly expanding PEM electrolyzer supply chain. The research assessed the technical transition from titanium porous transport layers and modeled the impact of rising current density on future material demand. High and low cases accounted for green hydrogen production targets and announced OEM […]

Opportunity assessment for MOFs in arsine removal

ADI evaluated the commercial viability of metal-organic frameworks (MOFs) for arsine removal by analyzing adoption drivers in downstream Oleflex and PDH units. The research highlights the critical trade-offs between MOF performance and the lower costs of sacrificial zinc oxide catalysts. Final recommendations included identifying high-growth license opportunities globally. The client Materials technology developer The situation […]

More insights

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CBAM puts a new price tag on emissions

On April 7, 2026, the European Commission announced the first official Carbon Border Adjustment Mechanism (CBAM) certificate price for Q1 2026 at €75.36 per tonne of CO2 equivalent (~$88/t CO2e), marking the EU’s first explicit carbon price applied to imported goods. This rate will be applied to the embedded emissions in CBAM-covered imports and is […]

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Cooling fluids are becoming a constraint in AI data centers

Immersion cooling fluids are taking on more importance as data‑center operators deploy higher‑power artificial intelligence (AI) and high-performance computing (HPC) systems. Rack densities are increasing faster than traditional air systems can accommodate, and liquid cooling is now part of the design discussion for many new builds and retrofits. In that context, fluid properties affect reliability, […]

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Implications of UAE’s exit from OPEC

Part of ADI Analytics’ ongoing coverage of the implications of the Iran conflict across oil & gas, LNG, refined products, and chemicals. The UAE’s exit from OPEC (see our prior blog) in late April 2026 reflects a decisive shift toward a volume‑driven strategy focused on monetizing its hydrocarbon resource base ahead of the global energy […]