TECHNOLOGY

T

he conversion technologies of biomass to liquid fuels have been tested and are operational worldwide utilizing gasification, synthesis gas cleanup and catalytic conversion. Although independent of one another, when combined, these technologies create an innovative process with competitive advantages.

The process design and engineering have been developed specifically for Diesel Brewing through the collaboration with energy specialists, Unitel Technologies and Dr. Kevin Whitty, Associate Professor at the Institute of Clean and Secure Energy. By combining selected elements from various liquid fuel conversion technologies, the results enable Diesel Brewing to achieve higher production yields, lower production costs through efficiencies of scale, and a biorefinery that generates fewer waste products and consumes fewer energy resources.

Pacific BioPower, an associated company to Diesel Brewing, will hold all rights to the design engineering and technology. It is currently applying for intellectual rights and patent protection for the unique technologies and processes associated with producing cellulosic biobutanol.

Diesel Brewing makes use of cellulosic biomass (agricultural residues, wood wastes, animal wastes, etc.) and converts this material into a synthesis gas mixture of hydrogen and carbon monoxide. This gas mixture is cleaned and further processed catalytically to generate a mixed-alcohol product containing butanol, propanol, ethanol, and methanol. The individual alcohol components are then separated and stored. Ash from the post-combustion process is removed and also stored.