Technoeconomic Analysis for the Production of Mixed Alcohols via Indirect Gasification of Biomass Based on Demonstration Experiments

Abstract

An integrated biomass-to-mixed alcohol process was demonstrated at the pilot scale, including indirect gasification, tar and hydrocarbon reforming, gas conditioning, and gas to liquids operations. Additional bench-scale experiments were conducted to gather insights into reforming and fuel synthesis operations under more extensive conditions. Data from these experiments were combined with tools and knowledge owned by industrial partners—Rentech and The Dow Chemical Company—to validate a conceptual commercial-scale cellulosic ethanol refinery. Results suggest that both reforming and mixed alcohol processes are scalable and economical, with a modeled mature plant ethanol production cost of $0.54/L ($0.82/L of gasoline equivalent). Sustainability metrics for the conversion process are also presented.