Figure 2. Schematic of the modeled, prototypical lignocellulosic biochemical ethanol plant utilizing separate enzymatic hydrolysis and fermentation steps.

Thermochemical integration key to improving the efficiency of bio-ethanol production

A recently concluded CRF study as revealed the important role of combustion in the efficient operation of cellulosic ethanol plants for producing  biofuels. Unlike ‘first-generation’ ethanol derived from the fermentation of sugar or starch sources (such as corn), future production of ethanol in the United States is expected (and indeed is federally mandated) to increasingly…