Biothermal conversion of biomass to methane and alcohol

Conference · Tue Jun 01 04:00:00 EDT 1982 · Energy Technol. (Wash., D.C.); (United States)

OSTI ID:5379426

Chynoweth, D P; Jerger, V J; Srivastava, V J; Tarman, P B

IGT has developed two hybrid biothermal processes that overcome the major limitations of separate use of biological and thermal conversion processes. One process (the BIOTHERMGAS process) combines anaerobic digestion with thermal gasification for the production of methane. The other process (the BIOTHERMOHOL process) combines fermentation with thermal gasification for production of ethanol and methanol. Each process is described, and its advantages highlighted. Sample tests of the Biothermgas process of Bermuda grass are run. The preliminary capital cost calculations indicate that Biothermgas has lower costs, especially if a smaller plant using thermophilic digestion is used. Biothermal liquefaction (Biothermohol) is treated in much the same way. Further development of these processes seems urgent in view of their high conversion efficiencies and flexibility.

• OSTI ID: 5379426
• Report Number(s): CONF-820217-
• Conference Information: Journal Name: Energy Technol. (Wash., D.C.); (United States) Journal Volume: 9
• Country of Publication: United States
• Language: English

Related Subjects

09 BIOMASS FUELS
140504* -- Solar Energy Conversion-- Biomass Production & Conversion-- (-1989)
ALCOHOLS
ALKANES
BIOCONVERSION
BIOMASS
BIOMASS CONVERSION PLANTS
BIOTHERMGAS PROCESS
BIOTHERMOHOL PROCESS
CAPITALIZED COST
COMPARATIVE EVALUATIONS
COST
ENERGY SOURCES
ETHANOL
GASIFICATION
HYDROCARBONS
HYDROXY COMPOUNDS
METHANE
METHANOL
ORGANIC COMPOUNDS
PRODUCTION
RENEWABLE ENERGY SOURCES
THERMOCHEMICAL PROCESSES