(373c) A Review of Minor Feedstock Characteristics that Have a Major Impact on Process Design and Commercial Success

Technology development in the field of lignocellulosics to fuels and chemicals continues, albeit at a reduced rate due to the recent collapse in the global crude price. Key physical and chemical properties of the selected lignocellulosic feedstocks that must be thoroughly understood for successful implementation of first-of-a-kind process technologies will be discussed. A thorough understanding of feedstock properties is not only critical to the design and selection of commercial scale systems but also must be considered during the technology development and scale-up phases. Though focus has historically been on issues related to sugar recovery and downstream conversion process efficiencies, the inorganic fraction composition and general physical properties often introduce unexpected challenges during scale-up and commercialization. When making capital allocation decisions failure to adequately account for feedstock variability and physical properties can result in less than desirable results, sometimes in unanticipated ways. Technology selection practices and investor-related constraints can be in conflict and may extend the project development phases resulting in unnecessary risks and escalated cost.