by Greg Benz, P.E. In aerobic fermentation, a frequent issue is the tendency for an aerated liquid to generate foam. In extreme cases, the foam can be so severe as to render the fermenter inoperable…
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Agricultural Residue -The Future of Optimizing Biorefineries
Agricultural residue-derived nanocellulose has the potential to be a key component of recarbonizing materials and optimizing biorefinery business cases. Nanocellulose is a light solid substance obtained from plant matter which comprises nanosized cellulose fibrils. It can…
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Technologies to Valorize Renewable Resources
As renewable resources like waste wood, agricultural waste, or municipal solid waste (MSW) are available at scattered sites in small amounts (as compared to petroleum), the question always arises as to technologies best suited to…
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Wastewater Plant Energy Balance
Wastewater treatment plants are significant energy consumers, with energy input being the electricity, fuel, and chemicals required for plant operation, and energy output being biogas, heat, and electricity produced by the plant. If the energy…
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Alternative Proteins – Bioreactors
Bioreactors play a crucial role in the production of alternative proteins, which are plant-based, insect-based, or lab-grown protein sources that aim to replace traditional animal-based protein sources. Bioreactors are used to cultivate microorganisms, such as…
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Gasification Expert
A gasification expert is an expert in the process of converting biomass or other organic carbonaceous feedstocks into carbon monoxide, hydrogen, and carbon dioxide. The gasification process involves heating the material to a high temperature…
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Waste to Energy Expert
A waste-to-energy expert may assist with various technologies, consisting of several different thermochemical or biological methods of generating energy from waste materials. Popular waste-to-energy commercial applications include combustion and anaerobic digestion for processing municipal solid…
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Railroad Tie Pyrolysis
Railroad tie pyrolysis presents some interesting opportunities. In the U.S. alone, over 20 million new wood railroad ties are installed every year. While wood is currently the best option for railroad ties (and utility poles)…
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Renewable Technology Assessment
Renewable technologies are emerging worldwide as mainstream sources of energy, fuels, and chemicals. Rapid growth has been driven by the improving cost-competitiveness of renewable technologies, dedicated policy initiatives, better access to financing, energy security, and…
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Tire and Rubber Recycling
Tire and rubber recycling, and disposing of tires generally, have historically been very challenging due to the worldwide volume, rubber’s robust durability, and the ecological implications of tires in landfills. In years past, billions of…
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