Biomass Pre-Treatment Increases Conversion Efficiency
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Lignocellulose is considered the most abundant renewable biomass on earth. It has long been recognized as an alternative source for producing renewable fuels and chemicals. It is composed of two kinds of carbohydrate polymers, cellulose and hemicellulose, and the non-carbohydrate phenolic polymer, lignin.1 Each component has a distinct chemical behavior, thus making the processing of lignocellulose very challenging.
Biomass pre-treatments can increase the efficiency of lignocellulosic biomass conversion by altering the material structure to increase accessibility of biomass components. One pre-treatment technology combines physical, chemical and thermal operations in a single intensified processing unit. This environmentally friendly biomass pretreatment is called twin screw extrusion.
Lionel Danos of Clextral, Inc. will highlight the benefits of using twin screw extrusion technology during TAPPI’s International Bioenergy & Bioproducts Conference (IBBC), November 5-8, 2023 in Atlanta, Georgia. His presentation, Recent Developments in Biomass Treatment by Twin Screw Extrusion, is part of IBBC’s Biomass Processing and Pretreatment session. Attendees will learn how this technology is well adapted to perform efficient biomass pre-treatment. Danos will also share specific examples of the technology’s future potential.
Additional session presentations include:
- Preprocessing and Pretreatment Technologies for Addressing Biomass Supply Chain Logistics – Jaya Shankar Tumuluru , Los Alamos National Laboratory
- Transforming Biomass with Sandwich Belt High Angle Conveyors – Amy Duncan, Dos Santos International
IBBC 2023
IBBC offers attendees a comprehensive technical program focused on critical issues associated with biomass. Developed by industry professionals, the peer-reviewed sessions are expert-led and include high-level discussions on industry trends, new technologies and advancements. The technical program includes the following sessions:
- Advances in Biofuels and Bioproducts Research
- Biomass Processing and Pretreatment
- Biomass Preprocessing and Conversion
- Sustainable Bio‐economy‐Waste Processing
The Conference also offers multiple networking events, a New Technology Showcase, and an exhibit floor where attendees can speak with suppliers about the latest technologies and solutions.
In addition, attendees are invited to attend the Student Poster Competition on Tuesday, November 7th, 5:30 – 6:30 pm, where participants compete for the chance to win cash prizes for first and second place finishes. Entered posters will be on display on the Exhibit Floor beginning Monday, November 6. This science-focused event highlights research projects of graduate and undergraduate students, as well as industry professionals. Topics ranges from advancements in the biomass and bioenergy industries to recent developments in pulping, recycling and sustainability. Individuals who would like to participate in the competition should submit their abstract by August 21, 2023 to Pat Stiede, TAPPI Speaker Relations Manager.
IBBC 2023 is co-located with TAPPI’s Pulping, Engineering, Environmental, Recycling and Sustainability (PEERS) Conference. Attendees can attend both technical programs for only one registration fee. Mills receive special discount pricing.
To register or for more information, visit tappi-ibbc.org.
1 Author, Ahmed M. Abdel-Hamid, Author, Jose O. Solbiati, & Author, Isaac K.O. Cann. (2013). Insights into Lignin Degradation and its Potential Industrial
Applications, Advances in Applied Microbiology (vol. 82, pp. 1-28). Elsevier. https://doi.org/10.1016/B978-0-12-407679-2.00001-6
