Biomass to Bioalcohol Innovation in the East of England
Lead Research Organisation:
QUADRAM INSTITUTE BIOSCIENCE
Department Name: UNLISTED
Abstract
Abstracts are not currently available in GtR for all funded research. This is normally because the abstract was not required at the time of proposal submission, but may be because it included sensitive information such as personal details.
Technical Summary
In this project we will install a CambiTM Steam Explosion Pilot Plant and yeast screening and propagation facility for R&D into production and commercialisation of biofuels and fibrous material from lignocellulose (biomass). The equipment will be used to modify biomass by a Thermal Enzymatic Hydrolysis Process (THP-E). This weakens, pre-degrades and ruptures the feedstock through advanced recycling, heat recovery and steam explosion. For bioalcohol production, enzymes will be added to convert cellulose and other polysaccharides to sugar mixtures which may then be fermented to completion by specialist yeast strains selected from a comprehensive strain library using the automated yeast screening system. Sufficient bulk yeast for the process will be produced using the yeast propagator. Residual material may be used in composite and natural fibre development. The equipment will be installed in a tailored facility at the Institute of Food Research (IFR) on the Norwich Research Park (NRP) where it will be available for use by regional businesses through e.g. IFR Extra Ltd.
Planned Impact
unavailable
People |
ORCID iD |
| Keith Waldron (Principal Investigator) | |
| Ian Roberts (Co-Investigator) |
| Description | 1) Steam explosion optimisation for a range of feedstocks including wheat straw, Oilseed Rape Straw, rice straw, municipal waste, waste paper, duckweed; 2) Simultaneous saccharification and fermentation of the above samples to produce ethanol 3) Ongoing potential to develop yeasts from the National Collection of Yeast Cultures. |
| Exploitation Route | Industrial biotechnology for the development of renewable fuels and chemicals from fermentation. |
| Sectors | Manufacturing including Industrial Biotechology Pharmaceuticals and Medical Biotechnology Transport |
| URL | https://www.biorefinerycentre.org/ |
| Description | This award, in conjunction with input from the Institute of Food Research led to the construction of the Norwich Research Park Biorefinery Centre at the Institute of Food Research, equipped with a state of the art steam explosion pilot plant facility and more recently small (10L) and large (2000L) high torque biomass bioreactors. The facility has been instrumental in underpinning research on bioethanol production from lignocellulosic and other waste biomass, and in achieving high ethanol yields (circa 12% v/v) from cellulosic wastes. The facility has also provided opportunities for further research with both industrial and academic stakeholders. |
| First Year Of Impact | 2011 |
| Sector | Energy,Manufacturing, including Industrial Biotechology,Other |
| Impact Types | Societal Economic |
| Description | UK East Coast Biorefining |
| Organisation | Vireol plc |
| Country | United Kingdom |
| Sector | Private |
| PI Contribution | Expertise in biorefining, conversion of biomass to fuels and chemicals, pilot plant facilities and expertise, yeast biology and fermentation expertise (with NCYC) |
| Collaborator Contribution | Industrial strategic investment projects. |
| Impact | Previous HOOCH project (see HOOCH collaboration) with other partners. DTP ICase studentship now with University of East Anglia Completed Innovate UK project on paper waste exploitation (with Palm Paper). |
| Start Year | 2007 |