[Terrapreta] Dovetailing Cellulosic Ethanol with Biochar Production

[Tom Miles]

Ryan,

 

There are thermal and biological approaches to converting cellulose to
ethanol. The biological processes include pretreatment steps (hydrolysis)
that separate the lignin which could be used are fuel or bio-char. Typically
the lignin is burned to provide heat for processing the alcohol. As far as I
know there is no excess. The lignin would only be available if another
biomass fuel such as straw or cornstalks was used to fuel the boilers at the
plant. The thermal processes consume both the cellulose and the lignin to
make a synthetic gas which is converted to alcohols using a catalyst.  Both
approaches are being commercially developed. 

 

Tom

 

 

From: terrapreta-bounces at bioenergylists.org
[mailto:terrapreta-bounces at bioenergylists.org] On Behalf Of Ryan Hottle
Sent: Sunday, December 30, 2007 8:48 AM
To: Terrapreta at bioenergylists.org
Subject: [Terrapreta] Dovetailing Cellulosic Ethanol with Biochar Production

 

 

I am wondering about the possibility of combined cellulosic ethanol and
biochar production.

 

According to Wikipedia, cellulose production results in a "waste lignin"
that, can "provide the energy for the process with some excess to provide
electricity for the grid."  How about turning this waste lignin into
biochar, making the process net negative in terms of CO2 produced? 

 

Look foward to hearing discussion on this.

 

Thanks,

Ryan

 

 



-- 
Ryan Darrell Hottle

Ohio Peak Oil Action (OPOA)
Co-Founder, Director
www.ohiopeakoilaction.org

Granville Relocalization and Sustainability Project 
www.granvillerelocalization.org

30 N. Rose Blvd.
Akron, OH 44022

(740) 258 8450 

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