Autothermal pyrolysis of lignocellulose wastes to sugars and other biobased products
Executive Summary
Technical Challenge
- Optimizing Autothermal conditions for yield and product quality
- Integrating upstream and downstream process requirements into a modular configuration
Potential Impact
The technologies proposed in this project are a transformative departure to traditional lignocellulosic processing systems which feature large, custom, “stick-built” plants. This project is based on Modular Energy Production Systems (MEPS), where unit operations are configured as modules sized to fit in standard shipping containers, mass produced and integrated in the field to form fully operational biorefineries at a smaller and on-demand scale. Distributed processing with modular pyrolysis units deployed at multiple locations decreases logistical costs/hurdles for both feedstock and products. Success in modular manufacturing is dependent on technologies that can achieve “process intensification,” thereby allowing enhanced output at reduced cost. If the thresholds for process intensification proposed here can be achieved, modular energy production systems can reduce carbon intensity in energy production and improve economic, environmental and social well-being.