K.J.J. (Kirsten) Steinbusch: “New strategy to process low grade biomass to fuel”

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19 Mar 2010 16:00
Unit: Wageningen University
Location: Aula, building 362, Gen. Foulkesweg 1, Wageningen
Organisation: Wageningen University
Promotor: prof.dr.ir. C.J.N. Buisman (Biological Recycling Technology)
Co Promotor: Dr.ir. H.V.M. Hamelers

 The possibility to use organic waste as biomass feedstock for fuel production reduces competition for with food production, and potentially saves large greenhouse gasses emissions. Waste is a complex substrate with a diverse composition and a high water content. It can be homogenized by anaerobic conversion to volatile fatty acids (VFA) while retaining its energy value. This thesis describes the feasibility to convert VFA to compounds with a higher energy density using mixed culture fermentations. Three fermentations were theoretically and experimentally demonstrated: hydrogenation to an alcohol with 1) hydrogen and 2) with an electrode as electron donor, and 3) chain elongation to medium chain fatty acids. Based on concentration, conversion rate and efficiency, the best acid conversion was chain elongation. The product of chain elongation, medium chain fatty acids, has good fuel properties with their longer hydrocarbon tail compared to ethanol and are easy selectively removed from the fermentation broth. The proven mixed culture fermentation technology could be used to valorise wet organic waste.
Title thesis: "Liquid biofuel production from volatile fatty acids"
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