Corn Stover's Feasibility as a Biomass Feedstock Utilizing the "REACH" Process
Abstract
While there are currently five commercially allowed biofuel production processes via ASTM International Standard D7566, none of them consistently rely upon and utilize corn stover as a biomass feedstock source even though it is one of the most readily available domestic bio-resources. Mercurius Biofuels Inc.’s three-step Renewable Acid-Hydrolysis Condensation Hydrotreating process can convert virtually any biomass feedstock into jet fuel intermediates that are then blended with standard petroleum-based biojet diesel to create drop-in fuels. The in-lab research backing this investigation was conducted to see if the second step of REACH, condensation, could be scaled further than the laboratory scale. Two set-ups were used for these experiments. Analysis of the in-lab research on condensation reactions focused on the conversion percentages of the two main components in the experiments, which were 5-Methylfurfural and Levulinic Acid. Experiments using both apparatus set-ups yielded successful conversions of these compounds. The in-lab research data analysis showed that the REACH process should be scaled past the laboratory level, and there exists potential for corn stover to serve as a biomass feedstock source for a sustainable fuels pathway that utilizes REACH.
Degree
M.S.
Advisors
Kilaz, Purdue University.
Subject Area
Alternative Energy|Climate Change
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