Toward a common classification approach for biorefinery systems

Abstract

This paper deals with a biorefi nery classifi cation approach developed within International Energy Agency (IEA) Bioenergy Task 42. Since production of transportation biofuels is seen as the driving force for future biorefi nery developments, a selection of the most interesting transportation biofuels until 2020 is based on their characteristics to be mixed with gasoline, diesel and natural gas, refl ecting the main advantage of using the already-existing infrastructure for easier market introduction.This classifi cation approach relies on four main features: (1) platforms; (2) products; (3) feedstock; and (4) processes. The platforms are the most important feature in this classifi cation approach: they are key intermediates between raw materials and fi nal products, and can be used to link different biorefi nery concepts. The adequate combination of these four features represents each individual biorefi nery system. The combination of individual biorefi nery systems, linked through their platforms, products or feedstocks, provides an overview of the most promising biorefi nery systems in a classifi cation network. According to the proposed approach, a biorefi nery is described by a standard format as 'platform(s) -products -and feedstock(s)'. Processes can be added to the description, if further specifi cation is required. Selected examples of biorefi nery classifi cation are provided; for example, (1) one platform (C6 sugars) biorefi nery for bioethanol and animal feed from starch crops (corn); and (2) four platforms (lignin/syngas, C5/C6 sugars) biorefi nery for synthetic liquid biofuels (Fischer-Tropsch diesel), bioethanol and animal feed from lignocellulosic crops (switchgrass).This classifi cation approach is fl exible as new subgroups can be added according to future developments in the biorefi nery area.

A Three-Dimensional Sustainability Evaluation of Jatropha Plantations in Yucatan, Mexico

“…The stages included in this analysis were (a) an agricultural stage, including the processes of land preparation, plant cultivation, and fruit harvest; and (b) the industrial stage, including the processes of materials transport and processing, product manufacturing, distribution and use, and end-of-life disposal or recycling (see Figure 2). For liquid biofuels, this is known as a well-to-wheels (or cradle-to-grave) system boundary [42]. For comparison purposes, two scenarios were assessed: first, a base scenario (S1) where the only valuable product is biodiesel produced from the jatropha oil, and the remaining streams are either considered by-products (such as the press cake, which is sold as a soil amender, and the crude glycerin, which is sold as it is after the chemical reaction process) or residues (hull and husks, which are lignocellulosic biomass left over from the extraction of the seed oil).…”

Semantic input/output matching for waste processing in industrial symbiosis

“…Following the same principles as in Raafat et al (2013) for processing technology classifications, the goal is to create an exhaustive, relevant, easy to use and homogenous classification (Cherubini et al, 2009;McCarthy, 1995). As presented in Section 2.1, we use four classification streams for resources.…”

Implementation of a Forest Biomass-based Biofuel Industry: A Canadian Experience

“…This paper presents an approach based on the three principles given above which is being currently developed and implemented on a small scale by the pulp & paper (P&P) sector in countries with mature forest industry [4,5,6]. It consists of implementing wood fractionation and conversion plants into existing P&P facilities while maintaining their core manufacturing of cellulose-based products.…”