JGC provides a next-generation ethanol production process using cellulosic biomass as a feedstock.
In this process, feed biomass is mixed with a high concentration of sulfuric acid to solubilize cellulose and hemicellulose, then hydrolyzed to produce monosaccharides such as glucose and xylose at a high yield. The monosaccharides are separated from the produced solution by passing through a chromatographic separator, and then converted into ethanol through the alcoholic fermentation process.
This process is a modification of the proprietary biomass ethanol production process developed by Alkenol in the United States.
Features
Biomass feedstock is used, such as cellulose-containing waste wood and agricultural wastes.
A high yield of monosaccharides is ensured by hydrolysis using concentrated sulfuric acid.
An energy-saving process because insoluble components such as lignin can be utilized as boiler fuel.
Product monosaccharides can be converted into ethanol.
Spent sulfuric acid is separated from the hydrolysate solution, concentrated, and recycled.
Cellulose-containing industrial wastes (coffee/tea waste, palm oil waste, etc. discharged from food plants).
Product ethanol is used as a gasoline blending material or as industrial alcohol.
Development status
Under the auspices of NEDO (The New Energy and Industrial Technology Development Organization), JGC has operated a demonstration plant of ethanol production, with a biomass treatment capacity of 2 tons/day from fiscal 2001 through 2005, in cooperation with Kobe University, Kumamoto University, and other four universities, National Institute of Advanced Industrial Science & Technology, Bussan Nanotech Research Institute Inc., Japan Alcohol Association, and other organizations. The produced ethanol was blended with gasoline to provide E3 and applied to a 80,000 km running test using passenger cars, through which it was demonstrated that this technology has reached the level of practical application.
JGC is currently promoting a commercial ethanol plant project (Up to 30,000kL/y, using waste wood as feedstock), to be constructed in California, and other commercial plant projects on starch basis in Japan and South East Asia.
