PROPANERGY

Integrated bioconversion of glycerine into value-added products and biogas at pilot plant scale

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 Obiettivo del progetto (Objective)

'This proposal aims at developing an integrated bioprocess to convert technical glycerine from biodiesel production into biogas and two value-added products 1,3-propanediol (PDO) and fertilizer in a biorefinery approach. The process will be developed through laboratory to pilot plant scale and allows an easy integration into a biodiesel or a biogas plant. The project will overcome three major obstacles to the new use of glycerine: (1) partial use of the substrate; (2) inhibition of bioconversion by residual methanol and byproducts of the bioconversion which results in a limited product yield and concentration; (3) high energy costs for the downstream processing. The process has several other advances beyond the state-of-the-art through an integrated use of glycerine and nutrients and energy from biogas production. Briefly, glycerine is first converted into PDO and byproducts in a bioreactor. The byproducts are then converted into biogas which should deliver the necessary energy for product separation. In addition, a stream from the biogas reactor is used to convert residual methanol to biogas and to deliver nutrients for the bioconversion. This novel concept will lead to a complete use of glycerine and methanol residue from biodiesel production for a simultaneous production of energy and value-added products. The replacement of chemical processes and a glucose-based process by PDO from glycerine can reduce green house gas and other environmentally harmful emissions, and create economic benefits and job opportunities in Europe. The project and out-coming technology fulfils many requirements of the EU policies in environmental, economical and social domains. The concept has in particular a high replication potential for SME and allows demonstrating benefits notably for regions with structural deficits. The replication of the innovative technology and the implementation of adapted communication media will assure an European-wide dissemination of the technologies.'

Introduzione (Teaser)

Scientists are developing technology to completely use all of the by-products of biodiesel production. Bioconversion techniques will produce biogas, a polymer building block and fertiliser with no waste and few emissions.

Descrizione progetto (Article)

Much of the world is now dedicating resources to finding alternative energy sources that reduce dependence on fossil fuels while reducing greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions. The biodiesel market is booming. Biodiesel is produced from oils and fats. It is environmentally friendly and made from renewable resources. In addition, the co-product glycerine (also called glycerol) is widely used in pharmaceuticals and cosmetics.

Since biodiesel production is continually increasing and with it glycerine production, the glycerine market has become satiated. One way to make use of biodiesel 'waste' is to turn co-products into useful substances. European scientists initiated the EU-funded 'Integrated bioconversion of glycerine into value-added products and biogas at pilot plant scale' (Propanergy) project to develop technology that does just that.

Scientists are developing techniques for complete use of glycerine and methanol residue from biodiesel production. As added benefits, the process will supply its own energy for product separation in the form of biogas and also yield two value-added products, 1,3-propanediol (PDO) and fertiliser. PDO is an organic compound used to produce polymers for products such as adhesives, laminates and mouldings.

Intensive research and development led to novel bioconversion concepts, a laboratory-scale mini plant, and construction of a pilot plant for large-scale demonstration of selected processes. At the mini plant level, various process configurations and control strategies were studied and optimised for successful implementation at pilot plant scale.

Propanergy has already demonstrated successful and cost-effective production of high value-added PDO using waste glycerine from biodiesel production. The novel process for PDO production enables significant reductions in emission of GHGs and other harmful substances compared to conventional production methods. Propanergy is thus expected to make a significant contribution to cost-effective biodiesel plant operation and to minimising dependence on fossil fuels.