Recent Advances In Thermochemical Conversion Of Biomass

This book provides general information and data on one of the most promising renewable energy sources: biomass for its thermochemical conversion. During the last few years, there has been increasing focus on developing the processes and technologies for the conversion of biomass to liquid and gaseous fuels and chemicals, in particular to develop low-cost technologies. This book provides date-based scientific information on the most advanced and innovative processing of biomass as well as the process development elements on thermochemical processing of biomass for the production of biofuels and bio-products on (biomass-based biorefinery). The conversion of biomass to biofuels and other value-added products on the principle biorefinery offers potential from technological perspectives as alternate energy. The book covers intensive R&D and technological developments done during the last few years in the area of renewable energy utilizing biomass as feedstock and will be highly beneficial for the researchers, scientists and engineers working in the area of biomass-biofuels- biorefinery. Provides the most advanced and innovative thermochemical conversion technology for biomass Provides information on large scales such as thermochemical biorefinery Useful for researchers intending to study scale up Serves as both a textbook for graduate students and a reference book for researchers Provides information on integration of process and technology on thermochemical conversion of biomass

This book provides an account of the state-of-the-art in thermochemical biomass conversion and arises from the third conference in a series sponsored by the International Energy Agency's Bioenergy Agreement. Fundamental and applied research topics are included, reflecting recent advances as well as demonstration and commercial innovation.

Pyrolysis is an irreversible thermochemical treatment process of materials at elevated temperatures in an inert atmosphere. It is basically a carbonisation process where an organic material is decomposed to produce a solid residue with high (or higher) carbon content and some volatile products. The decomposition reactions are accompanied in general with polymerisation and isomerisation reactions. The end products of pyrolysis can be controlled by optimizing pyrolysis parameters such as temperature and residence time. Pyrolysis is used heavily in the chemical industry to produce many forms of carbon and other chemicals from petroleum, coal, wood, oil shale, biomass or organic waste materials, and it is the basis of several methods for producing fuel from biomass. Pyrolysis also is the process of conversion of buried organic matter into fossil fuels.

A comprehensive examination of the large number of possible pathways for converting biomass into fuels and power through thermochemical processes Bringing together a widely scattered body of information into a single volume, this book provides complete coverage of the many ways that thermochemical processes are used to transform biomass into fuels, chemicals and power. Fully revised and updated, this new edition highlights the substantial progress and recent developments that have been made in this rapidly growing field since publication of the first edition and incorporates up-to-date information in each chapter. Thermochemical Processing of Biomass: Conversion into Fuels, Chemicals and Power, 2nd Edition incorporates two new chapters covering: condensed phased reactions of thermal deconstruction of biomass and life cycle analysis of thermochemical processing systems. It offers a new introductory chapter that provides a more comprehensive overview of thermochemical technologies. The book also features fresh perspectives from new authors covering such evolving areas as solvent liquefaction and hybrid processing. Other chapters cover combustion, gasification, fast pyrolysis, upgrading of syngas and bio-oil to liquid transportation fuels, and the economics of thermochemically producing fuels and power, and more. Features contributions by a distinguished group of European and American researchers offering a broad and unified description of thermochemical processing options for biomass Combines an overview of the current status of thermochemical biomass conversion as well as engineering aspects to appeal to the broadest audience Edited by one of Biofuels Digest’s "Top 100 People" in bioenergy for six consecutive years Thermochemical Processing of Biomass: Conversion into Fuels, Chemicals and Power, 2nd Edition will appeal to all academic researchers, process chemists, and engineers working in the field of biomass conversion to fuels and chemicals. It is also an excellent book for graduate and advanced undergraduate students studying biomass, biofuels, renewable resources, and energy and power generation.

There have been many developments in the science and technology of thermo chemical biomass conversion since the previous conference on Advances in Thermochemical Biomass Conversion in Interlaken, Switzerland, in 1992. This fourth conference again covers all aspects of thermal biomass conversion systems from fundamental research through applied research and development to demon stration and commercial applications to reflect the progress made in the last four years. All aspects of bioenergy systems are covered from pretreatment through to end-user applications with increased consideration paid to the environmental benefits and problems of implementing bio-energy systems. There was an excellent response with over 200 papers offered and over 180 delegates from 29 countries attending the conference. The programme was divided into five main areas covering pyrolysis, pretreatment, gasification, combustion and system studies and this division is reflected in the structure of these conference proceedings. Each main section was preceded by a state-of-the-art review to provide a focus for the ensuing presentations and an authoritative reference. All the papers included have been subject to a full peer review process. As with any international conference, an important aim was to exchange ideas and discuss problems with fellow researchers, as well as to hear about the latest research and development and applications. A workshop programme was included to encourage this interaction in areas of interest selected by participants. The resul tant workshop reports provide a summary of topical problems and opportunities.

There is increasing recognition that low-cost, high capacity processes for the conversion of biomass into fuels and chemicals are essential for expanding the utilization of carbon neutral processes, reducing dependency on fossil fuel resources, and increasing rural income. While much attention has focused on the use of biomass to produce ethanol via fermentation, high capacity processes are also required for the production of hydrocarbon fuels and chemicals from lignocellulosic biomass. In this context, this book provides an up-to-date overview of the thermochemical methods available for biomass conversion to liquid fuels and chemicals. In addition to traditional conversion technologies such as fast pyrolysis, new developments are considered, including catalytic routes for the production of liquid fuels from carbohydrates and the use of ionic liquids for lignocellulose utilization. The individual chapters, written by experts in the field, provide an introduction to each topic, as well as describing recent research developments.

This conference is the second such meeting under the auspices of the International Energy Agency's Bioenergy Agreement. The first lEA sponsored Fundamentals of Thermochemical Biomass Conversion Conference was held in Estes Park in 1982 and attracted 153 delegates from 13 countries around the world at a time when interest in biomass derived energy was at a peak. Since then oil prices have fallen considerably and with most prognoses for level prices until the end of the century, there has been a significant downturn in support for biomass conversion technologies. It has been particularly encouraging, therefore, to have received such an excellent response to this meeting. A total of 122 papers were offered, and 135 delegates registered for the conference from 19 countries. The theme of this meeting was Research in Thermochemical Biomass Conversion to reflect the advances made in research, development, demonstration and com mercialisation since the Fundamentals meeting in 1982. The programme was divided into sections on fundamental research, applied research, and demonstration and commercial activities to emphasise the interaction and roles of all levels of research in supporting the eventual commercial implementation. The layout of the pro ceedings reflects this same pattern, with an introductory section on status and technoeconomics to identify opportunities and constraints in different parts of the world. All the papers included in these proceedings have been subjected to the usual peer review process to ensure the highest standards.

Advances in Feedstock Conversion Technologies for Alternative Fuels and Bioproducts: New Technologies, Challenges and Opportunities highlights the novel applications of, and new methodologies for, the advancement of biological, biochemical, thermochemical and chemical conversion systems that are required for biofuels production. The book addresses the environmental impact of value added bio-products and agricultural modernization, along with the risk assessment of industrial scaling. The book also stresses the urgency in finding creative, efficient and sustainable solutions for environmentally conscious biofuels, while underlining pertinent technical, environmental, economic, regulatory and social issues. Users will find a basis for technology assessments, current research capability, progress, and advances, as well as the challenges associated with biofuels at an industrial scale, with insights towards forthcoming developments in the industry. Presents a thorough overview of new discoveries in biofuels research and the inherent challenges associated with scale-up Highlights the novel applications and advancements for biological, biochemical, thermochemical and chemical conversion systems that are required for biofuels production Evaluates risk management concerns, addressing the environmental impact of value added bio-products and agricultural modernization, and the risk assessment of industrial scaling