Cattail rhizome derived alcohol. Final report
Alcohol has been produced from cattail rhizomes. Over 60 fermentations have been made. The conversion rates of the solid part of the rhizomes has been very good. As much as 25 weight percent of rhizomes has been converted. This, in conjunction to the almost equal weight of carbon dioxide produced when alcohol is produced means that about 50% of the dry matter in the rhizomes has been used by the yeast. Since the rhizomes are only about 50% sugar and starches, this is as high as can be expected. There are difficulties which have not been overcome. The first difficulty is that the alcohol concentration is only about 2% or less in the beer when the fermentation is complete. To obtain fuel grade alcohol from such material by conventional distillation would require much more energy than could be obtained by burning the alcohol. Either the fermentation must be carried out to produce a more concentrated product or the separation process must be improved. Based on the maximum land harvest rate and the best alcohol yield, production of 134 gallons of alcohol/acre of cattails is projected. This is an excellent potential use of what is today marginal land.
- Research Organization:
- Gabrielson (James E.), Plymouth, MN (USA)
- DOE Contract Number:
- FG02-81AF92016
- OSTI ID:
- 5538006
- Report Number(s):
- DOE/AF/92016-1; ON: DE82007953
- Country of Publication:
- United States
- Language:
- English
Similar Records
Harvesting cattail (Typha SPP) rhizomes as an alternative feedstock for alcohol production: modifications of potato harvester. Final report, July 1, 1981-December 31, 1982
Preliminary evaluation of swine manure as alternative feedstock for the Del Valle Hog Farm fuel alcohol facility. Final report
Related Subjects
ALCOHOLS
PRODUCTION
CATTAILS
FERMENTATION
HARVESTING
ALCOHOL FUELS
DRYING
GRINDING
ROOTS
SACCHARIFICATION
SCREENING
BIOCONVERSION
CHEMICAL REACTIONS
COMMINUTION
DECOMPOSITION
FUELS
HYDROLYSIS
HYDROXY COMPOUNDS
LYSIS
MACHINING
ORGANIC COMPOUNDS
PLANTS
SOLVOLYSIS
SYNTHETIC FUELS
140504* - Solar Energy Conversion- Biomass Production & Conversion- (-1989)
090122 - Hydrocarbon Fuels- Preparation from Wastes or Biomass- (1976-1989)