Biomass to Fuel

Conversions

Results:
Alcohol (Ethanol)
Biogas (Methane)
Syngas
Gasoline (Biocrude)
Diesel Fuel (Plant Oil)
Methods of Biomass to Energy Conversion
Direct combustion

Pyrolysis: thermal decomposition into gas or liquid

Involves high temperatures (500-900°C), low oxygen

Biochemical processes:
Anaerobic digestion by methanogens
Controlled fermentation produces alcohols:
Ethanol (grain alcohol)
Methanol (wood alcohol)
Anaerobic Digester

Converts animal or plant waste

Into methane

Typical wastes:
Manure (feed lots,pig farms, poultry)
Olive oil mill waste
Potato processing waste

Big deal: Agricultural Science Depts

 Optimum Operating Temperature
35°C, maximum liters of methane per day, best retention time?
 Cellulose High Solids Fermenter

Adjusting agitator shaft of high solids fermenter. Produces methane gas,

high quality compost from sewage sludge, use 1/20th the water
Compared to conventional digesters. Downside: agitator needed.