Thermochemical Processes and Pretreatment of Biomass and Waste

BIO2006

Sustainable energy systems are central to the future bioproduction. This requires knowledge and understanding of fuel's properties and thermochemical processes. The course provides knowledge about fuel characterization, storage, transport, pre-treatment and thermochemical conversion technology, and environmental consequences including the basics of techno-economic and life cycle analyzes (LCA). In addition, the subject provides insight into pretreatment processes. System design and process simulation is an important part of the course.

Sustainable energy systems are important components in the bioproduction concepts, which itself require knowledge and understandings for fuel properties and thermochemical processes. The course provides in-depth knowledge of fuel characterization, storage, transportation, pre-treatment and thermochemical conversion technologies, and environmental consequences including basics of techno-economic and life cycle analysis. Moreover, the course gives insight into such pre-treatment processes as extraction, fractionation and torrefaction and thermochemical conversion processes including pyrolysis, gasification, and combustion, with consideration of sustainable process integration for heat and material recovery. System design and process simulation is an important part of the course. Laboratory scale and industrial scale applications and methodologies are also presented in a context of equipment sizing and techno-economic assessment including the capital investment, and operating and production costs and legislative aspects.

The course will only be offered if a sufficient number of students is registered.

Elective course for the 6th semester of the BSc in Sustainable economy and bioproduction. Can be offered as a free-standing course. There are prerequisites to the courses; KJE1000 Basic Chemistry or equivalent. Higher education entrance qualification.

Upon completion of the course the students will achieve the following learning outcomes:

Knowledge

basic knowledge and understanding of fuel types and characterization, transportation, and storage
basic knowledge and understanding of techno-economic analysis and life cycle analysis for sustainable energy systems
broad knowledge and understanding of the most important pretreatment processes for the successful fractionation of lignocellulose
broad knowledge and understanding of the chemistry and technology of existing and novel fractionation processes
broad knowledge and understanding of chemistry, design and process technology of thermochemical unit operation used in biomass and waste treatment
knowledge of research and development work in pre-treatment processes and thermochemical conversion

Skills

can determine important properties of fuels
can perform basic engineering calculations (mass and heat balances) for biomass based energy systems
can design thermochemical operation units of suitable sizes for sustainable energy concepts
can analyze profitability, production costs, and investment and perform market studies from supply to end users, considering technological, environmental, economic and legislative aspects

General competence

model chemistry and thermodynamics related to thermochemical conversion including such phenomena as chemical equilibrium and mass transfer
market studies of different feedstocks, products and by-product streams, compare with the process alternatives
engineering tools to generate materials and energy balances, and sustainability analysis
engineering design data for equipment sizing
capital investment, operating and production costs, and profitability analysis
various business models

Paid semester fee and syllabus literature. It is also required that students have a laptop at their disposal.

Elective course for the 6th semester of the BSc in Sustainable Economy and Bioproduction

Interactive lectures, guest lectures (if min. 5 participants will be enrolled), product case study (calculation and report) and final seminar for the project presentation. In the project work, interdisciplinary work is done in small groups or individually.

Evaluation using mid-term and final surveys. Students are also encouraged to participate in the central quality surveys.

Compound assessement, grading scale letter grades

Assessment task, 5 multiple-choice quizzes , comprises 0/100 of the grade, grading scale approved/ not approved.
Oral examination, comprises 50/100 of the grade, letter grades, A-F
Oral examination, comprises 50/100 of the grade, letter grades, A-F

BIO2005 Biomaterials & BIO1006 Bioproduction and technology.