METHOD OF SUBJECTING A BIOMASS FEEDSTOCK TO HYDROPYROLYSIS

The present invention relates to a method of subjecting a biomass feedstock to hydropyrolysis, the method at least comprising the steps of:a) supplying a biomass feedstock and a fluidizing gas comprising hydrogen to a bulk reactor zone of a fluidized bed reactor containing a deoxygenating catalyst;b) subjecting the biomass feedstock in the bulk reactor zone of the fluidized bed reactor to a hydropyrolysis reaction by contacting the biomass feedstock with the deoxygenating catalyst in the presence of the fluidizing gas, thereby obtaining a hydropyrolysis reactor output comprising at least one non-condensable gas, a partially deoxygenated hydropyrolysis product and char;wherein the bulk reactor zone is cooled by means of a cooling fluid flowing through a plurality of tubes running through the bulk reactor zone, the plurality of tubes having inlets into and outlets from the bulk reactor zone; andwherein the cooling fluid flowing in the tubes at the point ('A') where the biomass feedstock enters the bulk reactor zone has a temperature of at least 320° C., preferably at least 340° C., more preferably at least 350° C., even more preferably at least 370° C., yet even more preferably at least 380° C.