Celignis Analytical has a number of formulae which are used to predict, based on
sample compositional data, the potential product yields (on the basis of litres of biofuel and energy (GJ) of
biofuel output) that could be obtained when processing biomass samples in seven different biorefining technologies
(labelled 1 to 7).
These numbers are estimates and may not be representative of the actual yields that may be achieved in real-world conditions.
The data are presented online to customers, on the Celignis Database, in tabulated and graphical formats,
providing that the appropriate analysis packages have been selected.
Samples for which data regarding the elemental and ash contents have been obtained (e.g. Celignis Analysis Package: P40 - Combustion Package) will
have data for potential biofuel yields from 2 different representative gasification technologies (Technologies 6 and 7).
Summary of Technologies
Five of the technologies (1-5) involve the hydrolysis of biomass polysaccharides and the subsequent fermentation of the
liberated monosaccharides to ethanol. Technologies 6 and 7 operate via the thermochemical platform, specifically
via the gasification of the biomass and the subsequent catalytic synthesis of fuels.
These technologies are explained in the text below and the following table which compares them on the basis of: commercialisation status; minimum size for a commercial facility;
cost of biofuel produced; feedstock flexibility; and potential biofuel yield.
Hydrolysis Technologies
Five different hydrolysis technologies are examined:
1 - Dilute acid hydrolysis of biomass in two plug-flow reactors. This can be considered to representative of a near-commercial dilute-acid hydrolysis facility.
2 - Dilute acid hydrolysis of cellulose in a counter-current reactor with an uncatalysed steam hydrolysis pre-treatment. This more
efficient process (for cellulose hydrolysis) may be commercially viable in the future.
3 - Concentrated acid hydrolysis of biomass.
4 - Enzymatic hydrolysis of biomass. Involves a dilute acid pre-treatment and separate fermentation of the monosaccharides from cellulose
and hemicellulose (sequential hydrolysis and fermentation - SHF). Cellulase enzymes are produced in a separate reactor to that for hydrolysis. This is the likely setup of the first
commercial enzymatic hydrolysis facilities.
5 - Enzymatic hydrolysis and fermentation of biomass via consolidated
bioprocessing (CBP) with a liquid hot water pre-treatment step. Here hydrolysis of cellulose, fermentation of the sugars and production of
cellulases all take place in one reactor and involve a single micro-organism. This process can be considered to potentially be the most
efficient and economical enzymatic hydrolysis technology; however, it is currently not sufficiently developed for commercialisation. There
is substantial ongoing research, however, and it is expected that such a process could be viable before 2020.
The following formulae are used to calculate the yield of ethanol according to the hexose and pentose contents of the feedstock and the estimated efficiencies of the
technology (based on a literature review). Table 2 then outlines the efficiencies used for the hydrolysis processes based on these equations:
Conversion factors and yields for the hydrolysis technologies. Click to enlarge.
Thermochemical Technologies
Technologies 6 and 7 are based on the gasification conversion process. Unlike the hydrolysis technologies, which specifically target the structural polysaccharides of feedstocks, the thermochemical processes degrade all volatile components of the feedstock (which includes the lignin, as well as the polysaccharides). Determinations of process yields for these technologies are based on the estimated heating values of the feedstock, as calculated from its elemental composition.
Where O* = the sum of the contents of oxygen and other elements (including S, N,
Cl, etc.) in the organic matter, i.e.
O* = 100%-C-H-Ash.
The Lower Heating Value (LHV), or effective heating value, is more relevant than the HHV in
practical operations. It considers the energy required to vaporise the water generated when the hydrogen and
oxygen
elements of the biomass combine. Hydrogen content then becomes a reducing factor in the heating value.
The LHV can be calculated on a dry basis from the equation below:
The two representative gasification technologies used are described below:
6 - Synthesis of mixed alcohols via the catalytic processing of
syngas derived from the gasification of biomass. The efficiency of the process is based
on the LHV of the feedstock, giving a conversion efficiency of 48.8% to ethanol and 9.6% to higher alcohols, although the calculations
will only consider the ethanol produced. The process is considered to be beyond the current state of the art and more likely for commercialisation closer to 2023.
7 - The Fischer-Tropsch (FT) synthesis of a mixed range of linear hydrocarbons from biomass-derived syngas. We use data for an Institute of Gas Technology,
direct, oxygen blown, pressurised gasifier with full gas recycle. The overall conversion efficiency, based on the LHV of the feedstock,
has been estimated at 47.7%, with 37.92% for FT liquids and 6.65% for net power. Hydrocracking of the waxy FT product is necessary to maximise diesel yields with these cracking conditions producing
60% (by mass) diesel, 25% kerosene and 15% naphtha. Hence, yields (according to the dry LHV) will be 24.68% for diesel, 6.33% for naphtha and 10.04% for kerosene.
Celignis is a Partner in 3 Successful Proposals for EU Funding
We are pleased to announce that three of the proposals involving Celignis, submitted to the CBE-JU programme for funding collaborative biomass research in Europe, were successful. These projects will provide an additional funding of €1.5m to Celignis and build on our achievements in other CBE and EU projects. In particular, the projects are all at enhanced TRLs (6/7) and will use our existing Celignis Bioprocess infrastructure and will also fund further development of our bioprocessing capacities and the Bioprocess Development Services we offer our clients.
Details on the funded projects are provided below:
BIONEER - This project was funded under CBE-JU topic IA-06 and focuses on the TRL 6/7 production of biobased platform chemicals. Celignis's activities in the project focus on scaling up the work undertaken in our ongoing
Celignis to Exhibit and Present at Major Biochar Event
The 2024 North American Biochar Conference will take place in Sacramento, California, on Feb 12-15
On Feb 12-15 we'll be exhibiting at the 2024 North American Biochar Conference, taking place at the SAFE Credit Union Convention Centre in Sacramento, California.
We're looking forward to interacting with the 1000+ expected attendees, outlining our extensive range of analytical and application testing services for biochar.
Celignis CIO Lalitha Gottumukkala will also be a member of the expert panel focused on developing improved laboratory methods for biochar characterisation.
This Networking Event Will Involve Discussions on Collaborations for Proposals to the 2024 CBE-JU Topics
The Circular Bioeconomy Europe Joint Undertaking (CBE-JU) is an organisation that funds biomass research in Europe at various Technology Readiness Levels (TRLs). Since 2016 Celignis has been an active participant in a number of projects funded by the CBE-JU.
The Biobased Industries Consortium (BIC) is the steering committee that helps to steer the focus of research for the CBE-JU programme. In 2023 Celignis joined the BIC as a Full Industry Member and participated in several proposals submitted for different research topics in the CBE-JU's 2023 Work Programme.
We're Hiring - Business Administration & Client Relationship Manager
This position will involve working closely with senior management, fostering existing and new client relationships.
Situated in Limerick, Ireland, Celignis currently operates at two centres, Celignis Analytical and Celignis Bioprocess, actively engaging in a variety of private and public bioeconomy projects. As we continue to expand, we're looking to strengthen our team of 14 with a Business Administration and Client Relationship Manager who can bring a blend of enthusiasm and expertise.
This position will involve working closely with senior management, fostering existing and new client relationships, and ensuring successful delivery of our services, playing a key role in our ongoing growth and success.
Celignis to Sponsor and Present at Major Biochar Event
The event takes place on May 3rd at Carrick-on-Shannon
We are pleased to announce that, on May 3rd, Celignis will be presenting and exhibiting at the National Biochar and Carbon Products Conference 2023, which is taking place in Carrick-on-Shannon in County Leitrm, Ireland.
This conference is being organised under the auspices of the Interreg Northwest Europe-funded THREE C Project, entitled 'Creating and sustaining Charcoal value chains to promote a Circular Carbon economy in NWE Europe'.
The conference will highlight both Irish stakeholders who are currently working in the biochar and carbon products sector, but also partners from the THREE C project (covering Netherlands, Luxembourg, Germany, Belgium, France and Wales, as well as Ireland) who have interesting stories and products to share.
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