image: Discrete element method (DEM) computer models have been developed for describing biomass transport through a compression feed screw. This image shows mathematical simulation of biomass particles in feed screw at steady state. view more
Credit: Purdue University/Michael Ladisch
WEST LAFAYETTE, Ind. - Imagine trying to quickly turn a damp piece of plywood into a liquid and squeezing it through several small openings. That's essentially the challenge facing biorefineries trying to turn corn waste and related materials into ethanol fuel.
A big challenge in biomass processing, such as turning waste into ethanol fuel, is the difficulty in moving the biomass to, within and through the equipment needed to physically and chemically treat the biomass as part of the fuel production process.
Researchers at Purdue University have received $2.3 million in funding from the Department of Energy's Bioenergy Technologies Office for their work to create computer models to simplify the design and construction of biorefineries to help them better perform reliably, sustainably, safely and economically.
"We have basically used fundamental theories, particle properties, and measured bulk characteristics to develop and verify computational tools for biorefineries that are taking a material like corn stalks, sugar cane bagasse, or sawdust and making them flow like a liquid," said Michael Ladisch, Distinguished Professor of Agricultural and Biological Engineering at Purdue, who leads the research team and has been studying the topic of cellulose conversion and pretreatment for more than 25 years.
Ladisch said the team has created predictive analytical models that rigorously represent flow performance of biomass materials to define the conditions for robust operation and minimal downtime due to plugging problems from moving the materials within and between reactors.
Other members of the Purdue team include Carl Wassgren, a professor of mechanical engineering; Arezoo Ardekani, an associate professor of mechanical engineering; Pankaj Sharma, managing director of the Integrative Data Science Initiative; Eduardo Ximenes, a senior research scientist at Purdue's Laboratory of Renewable Resources Engineering; Kendra Erk, an associate professor of material engineering; Nathan Mosier, a professor of agricultural and biological engineering; and Kingsly Ambrose and Abigail Engelberth, both associate professors of agricultural and biological engineering.
The latest innovation and the predictive models come on top of other patented technologies created by the Purdue team and patented through the Purdue Research Foundation Office of Technology Commercialization. For more information on licensing the Purdue innovations, contact D.H.R. Sarma at the Office of Technology Commercialization at dhrsarma@prf.org.
The analytical models address on machinery and operating conditions developed at several locations, including Purdue, with the latest grant going to address techniques previously developed and patented at Purdue based on technology that avoids chemical agents in the production of ethanol fuel. A combination of water and enzymes are used to break down the waste materials into forms usable in the production of biofuels.
"We are a small piece of the bioenergy puzzle, but we believe our work is part of the larger progress to reduce carbon emissions and help farmers," Ladisch said.
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The Purdue team is working with Argonne National Laboratory, Idaho National Laboratory and industry partners on the patented technologies.
About Purdue Research Foundation Office of Technology Commercialization
The Purdue Research Foundation Office of Technology Commercialization operates one of the most comprehensive technology transfer programs among leading research universities in the U.S. Services provided by this office support the economic development initiatives of Purdue University and benefit the university's academic activities through commercializing, licensing and protecting Purdue intellectual property. The office is managed by the Purdue Research Foundation, which received the 2016 Innovation and Economic Prosperity Universities Award for Innovation from the Association of Public and Land-grant Universities. For more information on licensing a Purdue innovation, contact the Office of Technology Commercialization at otcip@prf.org. For more information about funding and investment opportunities in startups based on a Purdue innovation, contact the Purdue Foundry at foundry@prf.org. The Purdue Research Foundation is a private, nonprofit foundation created to advance the mission of Purdue University.
Writer: Chris Adam, 765-588-3341, cladam@prf.org
Source: Michael Ladisch, ladisch@purdue.edu