Conference Schedule
Day1: March 29, 2018
Keynote Forum
10:05-10:35
Nicholas James Westwood
University of St Andrews and EaStCHEM, UK
Title: Processing biomass using butanol: Circular economy arguments
10:05-10:35
Biography
Nick Westwood’s research group is highly collaborative. It uses high level methods in organic synthesis to enable novel insights to be developed in sustainable chemistry and chemical biology. After studying chemistry at Oxford University, Nick completed his PhD with Chris Schofi eld FRS at Oxford and then carried out post-doctoral research at the University of Texas at Austin (with Philip Magnus FRS) and Harvard (with Tim Mitchison FRS and Matthew Shair). He returned to the UK in 2001 as a Royal Society University
Research Fellow at the University of St Andrews and has worked
there since then. In 2011 he began a research project on the characterisation and depolymerisation of the biopolymer lignin. This work has expanded to include more general approaches to processing biomass although the main goal remains to identify better ways to use the lignin component rather than burning it.
Abstract
Processing biomass using butanol: circular economy arguments
Nicholas James Westwood,
University of St Andrews and EaStCHEM, Fife,UK
Abstract
Industry processes lignocellulosic biomass into its constituent cellulose, hemicellulose and lignin fractions using harsh conditions to liberate the sugar fractions with high purity. This often results in considerable degradation of the lignin fraction, as the native chemically-labile β-O-4 linkages (1) (see Scheme 1) are almost completely degraded. This degradation often occurs through a chemically reactive benzylic cation (2) leading to Hibbert ketone structures (3) or condensation and degradation products (via path A in Scheme 1).1 Whilst lignin degradation during a pretreatment is less important if the lignin is to be burned as a cheap energy source, many researchers view that the economics associated with a biorefinery will be much stronger if the lignin has one, or preferably several, higher values applications.
The use of alcoholic solvents, in particular butanol, for the pretreatment of lignin is designed to trap benzylic cation 2 through alcohol incorporation (to give 4). The resulting butanosolv lignin has higher β-O-4 content than lignin extracted without alcoholic solvents.2 This maintenance of the β-O-4 content means that the lignin is more applicable to depolymerisation reactions to give pure aromatic monomers of potential relevance to the Chemical Industry.3,4 It also means that the controlled synthesis of novel biopolymers is achievable using the β-O-4 unit as the point of modification.5
This talk will discuss the advantages of the butanosolv process and will show that in addition to a useable lignin fraction, the cellulose and hemicellulose streams are also suitable for subsequent processing. We will present examples of our ongoing efforts to process the product streams retained after lignocellulose extraction by this process.5 In particular, the usefulness of α-protected butanosolv lignin and chemical modification strategies targeting the available γ-position will be detailed.5 Applications of this process to a range of different biomasses will be discussed.
10:55-11:25
10:55-11:25
Biography
Michele Aresta, Dr. Industrial Chemistry and PhD of Engineering HC, has his expertise in Inorganic Chemistry and Catalysis (homogeneous, enzymatic and heterogeneous). He was the initiator of the CO2 chemistry and one of the pioneers of Carbon Recycling for a Circular Economy. He has developed several synthetic methodologies for the valorization of CO2 recovered from industrial and power plants. More recently, he has developed new catalytic
methodologies for sustainable chemistry using abundant metals as
catalysts in water as solvent and oxygen as oxidant. He is author of over 280 papers, 10 books on CO2 Utilization and owner of several patents. He is CEO of the IC2R Innovative Start-up for Carbon Recycling. He was the recipient of several Awards, including the Gold Medal of the Inorganic Chemistry Division of the Italian Chemical Society, 2016. He is Honorary Professor at the University of Tianjin, Tianjin, China.
Abstract
Land and aquatic biomass derived monomers for polymers and fine chemicals
Michele Aresta1, Angela Dibenedetto2
1IC2R srl and CIRCC, Italy
2CIRCC and UniBA, Italy
Abstract
The depletion of fossil resources is pushing the scientific community to look-for alternative feedstock. The transition from petroleum and natural gas feedstock to bio-based supplies is essential for the sustainability of the chemical industry.[1] Creating new energy-efficient processes to utilize bio based feedstock, will allow industry to produce goods from domestic resources with a substantially lower carbon emission. In this context, biomass represents an abundant low-carbon renewable resource for the production of bioenergy, chemicals and biomaterials, and its enhanced use would address several societal needs.
In order to avoid any conflict with food, non-edible biomass should be used such as wood or waste from agro-forest industry or algae. Currently the global yield of agricultural crop residues, excluding grass, varies from ~8 dry Mt ha-1y-1 to ~22 dry Mt ha-1y-1, [2]. The main component of such agricultural residues is cellulose, which represents the most abundant form of biomass, and holds impressive potential as alternative to fossil carbon for sustainable production of fuels and chemicals. [3]
Cellulose can be hydrolysed into glucose using supercritical water in acidic conditions and even better by the use of catalysts with acid properties,. The isomerization of D-Glucose provides D-Fructose, the platform molecule for making 5-hydroxymethylfurfural (5-HMF), [4] that is considered as one of the most promising platform molecules because of its potential as intermediate in the synthesis of furan derivatives that can replace chemicals sourced from fossil carbon [5]. (Scheme 1, left) Developing selective catalysts that may use oxygen as oxidant in water for the synthesis of the products shown in Scheme 1 is an important issue that targets sustainability in the chemical industry. 5-HMF and its precursors (fructose and glucose) can even undergo ring cleavage to afford di-acids such as succinic acid and oxalic acid.[6] [Scheme 1, right]
Another important source of monomers for polymers and fine chemicals are monounsaturated fatty acids. Non eatable oleic acid (restaurant oils, oil from algae or from tobacco and other non-eatable plants) can be converted into mono- and di-carboxylic acids that are useful monomers for polymers (the latter) or additives for the cosmetic industry or can be directly used in agrochemistry (the former).[7]
This talk will discuss a few options for sustainable conversion of biomass derived compounds into chemicals that may have an industrial utilization.
11:25-11:55
Ataullah Khan Mohammed
InnoTech Alberta, Canada
Title: Canadian bioenergy landscape: Key drivers and future potential
11:25-11:55
Biography
Dr. Khan is the lead scientist for the Thermo Chemical Processing group at InnoTech Alberta and also an Adjunct Professor in the Process Systems Engineering, University of Regina. He is also the sector lead for bioenergy initiative at the BQNC (Biomass Quality Network Canada) and a technical committee member on Canadian Mirror Committee to ISO/TC 238:Solid Biofuels. At InnoTech Alberta, his research is focused on biomass thermochemical & thermocatalytic conversion pathways to bioenergy, biofuel, bio-chemical or bio-materials. He is a recipient of 2012 Paragon Award for Innovation for the development of innovative catalysts for feed- and process- flexible hydrogen production. He has 3 patents, 1 book chapter, 2 reviews and 30 research articles to his credit. He also served as a Guest Editor for Special Issue on “Metal Oxides in Catalysis” in Molecular Catalysis Journal, Elsevier, 2018
Abstract
Canadian bioenergy landscape: Key drivers and future potential
Ataullah Khan Mohammed,
InnoTech Alberta, Canada
Abstract
Canada is endowed with abundant natural resources and has among the world’s most productive agriculture and forestry sectors. Despite its abundance, biomass is not being utilized to its full potential due to lack of supply chain logistics and low fossil fuel prices. The Biomass Quality Network Canada (BQNC) was established in 2016 through funding from Agriculture Agri-Food Canada (AAFC) to support the advancement of the Canadian bio-products industry in four main sectors: Biochemicals, Bioenergy, Biofuels and Biomaterials. BQNC supports the Canada’s bio-products industry by enabling the selection, creation, adoption and maintenance of a central database of internationally recognized quality control and assurance standards in coordination with other national and international standards organizations.
Bioenergy has been part of the Canadian energy scene for more than 25 years, ranging from heat and power cogeneration, wood pellets, to liquid biofuels. The recent federal and provincial government directives on fossil carbon emission reduction are likely going to be the key drivers for the development of bioenergy markets in Canada. The talk will highlight the key findings of the BQNC bioenergy sector sub-committee pertaining to biomass resource availability and bioenergy potential with the aim of bridging the gap between supply chain, fuel (quality) and equipment suitability with a focus on central western Canada. Suitable recommendation on quality grading of common Canadian agricultural residues vis-a-vis ISO/TC238 classification will also be presented
Tracks
- Biomass | Biogas | Energy and Environment |Biodiesel | Bioenergy
Location: GLENFIDDCH
11:55- 12: 20
Nathanial Cooper
Imperial College London, UK
Title: Data Aggregation Tool for use in MILP Biomass Supply Chain Optimization
11:55- 12: 20
Biography
Nathanial Cooper is a postdoctoral scholar in the Centre for Process Systems Engineering in Chemical Engineering at Imperial College London. His research focuses on supply chain management for biomass. He performed his doctoral research on the design of reactant distributors in PEM fuel cells, in the Mechanical and Aerospace Engineering department at the University of California, Davis, graduating in 2016. His undergraduate work was in Mechanical Engineering at Brown University, graduating in 2012. Nathanial’s
research interests lie mainly in the areas of renewable energy and sustainable engineering.
nathanial.cooper@imperial.ac.uk
Abstract
Alternative energy options have increasingly been the focus of research and development efforts in recent years, due to concerns over the impact of fossil fuels on the environment and security. The biomass and biofuel industry has shown promise in its potential to partially supplant the fossil fuel industry through ethanol and other products, while simultaneously lowering the environmental burden. As a nascent industry, the capital and operating costs of the biomass and biofuel industry can be signifi cant, making it diffi cult for the industry to gain market share. Further, the disparate nature of biomass growth
can raise transportation and aggregation issues, further raising costs. Supply chain optimization (SCO) is a proven technique which can improve logistics and infrastructure planning, to maximize overall profi ts, or to minimize overall costs or environmental impact. Supply chain optimization models use information from geographic and logistic data in their analyses, as this is important to biorefi nery and transportation pathway distribution. Due to the optimisation’s dependence on map data, a map data extraction tool has been developed to assist in the connection between these models and the associated maps. This tool is written in a python fork specifi cally for the open source platform QGIS. This tool was tested using data from the UK and fed to an MILP supply chain optimization as a case study. The supply chain optimisation this tool was employed with uses cellular optimisation, meaning all data is aggregated into cells. One potential use would be to update a supply chain model in real time or with little turnaround time, should updated map data become available.
12:20- 12:45
Streffer K
LXP Group GmbH, Germany
Title: High purity cellulosic sugars via amorphous carbohydrates and sulfur free lignin from lignocellulose
12:20- 12:45
Biography
Katrin Streffer is the Co-Founder of LXP. Prior to founding LXP (formerly maxbiogas) in 2009, she was the Head of R&D of a medtech company, financed by venture capital. At the beginning of her career, Katrin worked as a Research Associate at the Charité – University Medicine Berlin on her own project. Her work was mainly focused on the development of new laboratory tests. In 2007 she joined the start-up medtech company, Gilupi GmbH. In her position as a Chief Scientific Officer she was responsible for the management of R&D projects and product development, e.g. the development of the CellCollector® the first CE approved in vivo CTC isolation product worldwide. She holds a degree in chemistry from the Technical University of Berlin, Germany, and a PhD in Analytical Biochemistry from the University of Potsdam, Germany. She is author and co-author of multiple scientific publications
Abstract
High purity cellulosic sugars via amorphous carbohydrates and sulfur free lignin from lignocellulose
Streffer, F. and Streffer, K.
LXP Group GmbH, Germany
Abstract
Today primarily 1st generation (1G) biomass is used to produce bio-fuels and bio-based chemicals, i.e. starch and sugar extracted from renewable feedstocks such as corn and sugar cane. At the same time, literally billions of tons of 2nd generation (2G) biomass are available but vastly underutilized, i.e. agricultural straws and other residues. The LX-Process is a proprietary technology that “gently” crack the structural bonds of 2G biomass, making available the main components cellulose, hemicellulose (both complex sugars) and natural lignin. Sulfur free lignin can be extracted and the sugars processed to bio-fuels and bio-based chemicals. In other words: the process converts mostly worthless agricultural residues to high value-added bio-fuels and bio-based chemicals. In addition to the enormous increase in feedstock flexibility, the technology allows a substantial increase in yield from conventional (1G) feedstocks.
Figure 1 shows a 3D picture of the LX-Demo Plant. Main advantages of LX-Plants are:
- Using raw materials which are hitherto residues or waste products. In bio-refineries, these are, e.g. plant residues, which commercial use is only possible after pretreatment.
- Easy integration of pretreatment, conversion and downstream processes with as low purification efforts in between as possible.
- Easy integration with bioprocesses without detoxification (demonstrated by the biogas process), so cellulolytic bacteria like different Clostridia grow happily on our carbohydrates.
- Commercial enzyme preparations easily degrade our carbohydrates to monomeric sugars, since the carbohydrates are regenerated from solution and are mostly amorphous.
- The LX-Process is a low temperature pretreatment process below 80°C, which prevents the formation of inhibitors like furfurals or short chain phenols and allows the utilization of waste heat
- A high carbohydrate yield of usually over 90% is obtained, since side reaction to inhibitors do not play a significant role
13:30-13:55
Markus Millinger
Helmholtz Centre for Environmental Research (UFZ), Leipzig, Germany
Title: Optimal biofuel futures: The role of functional units and fuel suitability
13:30-13:55
Biography
Markus Millinger conducts research on bioenergy futures through systems modelling. He has developed several models for assessing biofuel future scenarios from different perspectives. Millinger has a background in mechanical engineering and industrial ecology from Chalmers University of Technology, Gothenburg, Sweden.
Prof. Daniela Thrän works in system analysis of renewable resources for energy and materials. She holds the chair of bioenergy systems at Leipzig University.
markus.millinger@ufz.de
daniela.thraen@ufz.de
Abstract
Optimal biofuel futures: The role of functional units and fuel suitability
Markus Millinger and Daniela Thrän
Helmholtz Centre for Environmental Research (UFZ), Germany
Abstract
Statement of the Problem: Biofuels are a renewable alternative for reducing the climate impact of transport. Policy uses different functional units for introducing biofuels, with resulting differing optimal biofuel pathways. Methodology & Theoretical Orientation: Several models are developed in order to assess the competitiveness of various crop based biofuel options, using different economic and environmental functional units, in Germany until 2050. Findings: Different functional units, as well as fuels and markets included result in different merit orders for the biofuel options. Currently most common conventional biofuels were found not to be competitive, and advanced liquid fuels were only competitive at extreme assumptions, contrary to common expectations. Instead, sugar beet based ethanol dominated for most of the time span when comparing energetic cost, whereas Synthetic Natural Gas (SNG) was competitive on a greenhouse gas abatement (GHG) cost basis, especially at a rapid decarbonisation of the power mix. Switching from current practise to higher yielding biofuel options can potentially increase GHG abatement per land unit by a factor of five. With such a functional unit, silage maize based biomethane was the best, with SNG converging only at very high renewables shares of the background systems; and the land passenger transport becomes the highest priority due to the suitability of higher yielding biofuel options, followed by land goods transport, shipping and finally aviation. If gaseous fuels are not possible to introduce on a large scale, goods transport and shipping become priority. Biofuel admixture quotas to sub-sectors of land transport renders a significantly lower climate benefit compared to an overall optimal usage. Conclusion & Significance: The direct importance of land use has thus far not received enough attention in terms of the economics of biofuels from dedicated crops, as well as for the greenhouse gas emissions policy.
13:55-14:20
Amit Kumar Jain
BijSon Innovation Pvt. Ltd., India
Title: Biotransformation of organic waste into biogas and biofertilizer a sustainable way of solid waste management
13:55-14:20
Biography
Mr Amit is a dynamic young budding bioentrepreneur. Presently he is the Co founder & CEO of Jaipur based Biotechnology startup company, “Bijson Innovations Pvt. Ltd. Prior to starting Bijson innovations he was working in Bio fuel sector since 2009. Ideation of the concept was developed during his work in the field of biofuel with his father’s traditional business. Technically he has a vast experience of ten year in the field of Biomass energy and biofuel. He has done his graduation in commerce & MBA from RTU. While working he has gone through numerous short term courses in biotechnology & renewable energy. Currently Bijson Innovations is working with Government bodies to manage Solid Municipal waste in a sustainable way. He was also chosen for “Leaders of Innovations Fellowship” by Royal Academy of Engineering, London supported by “Newton Fund”, set up by Govt. of UK
Abstract
Biotransformation of organic waste into biogas and biofertilizer a sustainable way of solid waste management
Amit Kumar Jain
BijSon Innovation Pvt. Ltd., India
Abstract
Millions of tons of solid waste are produced around the globe every year as a result of various household, agricultural and industrial activities, which if not managed and disposed of properly, can result not only in environmental pollution but also several healthcare problems. In order to meet the day to day energy requirements of the ever growing human population, huge amounts of limited resources like coal, oil and natural gas are burnt. The scientific community, on one hand, has been continuously searching for the renewable, low-cost alternate fuel resources and on the other has also been seriously making efforts to find an amicable solution for waste management. These two very critical aspects, if managed scientifically, can provide a solution to each other by providing clean renewable sources of energy like bioethanol, biobutanol, biogas, biohythane, CNG etc. through degradation of organic waste and on the other hand can save the environment from deterioration and save the population from adverse effects on healthcare. Although chemical routes are also available besides several traditional practices these all lead to so many other environmental and healthcare problems. However, the tiny microbes can play a detrimental role in solving most of the problems if managed properly through biological processes like anaerobic digestion and fermentation which can also result in a number of value added products. In such an attempt, 3 Kg organic kitchen waste was successfully biotransformed into biogas and bio-fertilizer in a specially designed bio-digester using 500 g hyperactive microbial consortia under laboratory conditions with recovery of 300 g of biogas and 2 Kg of bio-fertilizer per day after 15 days of incubation at 30°C while maintaining C/N ratio of 2:3 g. Further scale-up of this technology is under development which if successful would not only provide a sustainable solution for management of the organic waste but would also be helpful in protection of environment besides economic gains in the form of production of value added
14:20-14:45
Biography
Jan Clement. Owner of Geo Jan Sustainable Environmental Solutions. Trustee of EnergyCoin Foundation. We developed EnergyParty; a robust decentralised platform for asset management which sits on top of the EnergyCoin Blockchain. This can facilitate all digital and social aspects of the energy transition.We provide the sustainable energy sector innovative solutions so we can build a future for humanity together using less fossil fuel and providing healthy local circular economies where our EnergyParty is the engine for exchange of locally produced energy and more!We provide asset management for business and prosumers that are connected or not connected to the electric grid. Making the electric grid smarter and greener with smart contracts between all kinds of users and devices. We create a market for smart energy applications and all related aspects to make the energy transition successful.We see more and more decentralised energy production but provide solutions in other fields too. Many environmental problems can be solved in a decentralised way, and the EnergyParty blockchain solution from EnergyCoin Foundation contributes to improving the world. We need people to believe that they can make a difference. That is the mission for EnergyCoin Foundation and Geo Jan Sustainable Environmental Solutions
Abstract
Blockchain biofuel application
Jan Clement
Geo Jan Sustainable Environmental Solutions, Nethrelands
Abstract
Biofuels are essential in our future energy supply. Various sources and origin of biomass have a very different environmental impact. How can blockchain secure and safeguard origin throughout the whole supply chain?
Some factors have a negative influence on what could otherwise have been a positive product; using wood from sources with high natural value. Non-traceable origin has a negative impact in itself. Long distance transport can also change the situation. Production forests that are not managed sustainably leads to negative effects like loss of soil fertility, erosion and diminishing availability of food crops locally.
Blockchain when done well can improve several of these factors by introducing transparency, traceability and trust for all stakeholders in supply chains.
Local sources that are marked and visible on the blockchain are preferable: The process can be followed exactly, and proves the source is trustworthy and meets sustainability and other criteria.
It is essential to map sources of wood that are available for future use. These then will be visible on the ledger of the blockchain and can be followed over time. This give management information, planning tools and transparency for stakeholders and public alike.
In Holland, the Government is going to plant 100,000 hectares of forest for biomass. A perfect opportunity to apply the proposed system. Everyone can see the forests grow and be certain of sustainable management and future consumption.
14:45-15:10
Ravi Kant Bhatia
Himachal Pradesh University Summer Hill Shimla, India
Title: Pretreatment of pine needle waste biomass through enzymatic cocktail for bioethanol production
14:45-15:10
Biography
Dr. Bhatia working as a Post Doctorate Fellow in the Deptt. of Biotechnology Himachal Pradesh University Summer Hill, Shimla. He is working in the area of biofuel technology from last two year especially on the biotransformation lignocellulosic waste biomass into biofuels. He has eight years research and teaching experience in various areas of biotechnology. During his Doctoral research he developed bioprocess for the production of anticancer compounds and has published more than 20 research papers in various reputed journals, with more than 150 citations. He is also a budding bio- entrepreneur and acting as a team leader in his startup related to bio-transformation of solid waste into biofuel.
Abstract
Pretreatment of pine needle waste biomass through enzymatic cocktail for bioethanol production
Ravi Kant Bhatia, Sumita Thakur, Vaisahli Sharma, Nidhi Rana, Ranju Kumari, and Arvind Kumar Bhatt
Himachal Pradesh University, India
Abstract
Pine needles are one of the most important forest biomass material available with serious implications on local understory vegetation besides incidences of forest fires which have both short and long-term effects on environment. The biomass can be put to varied uses by proper exploration of its constituent biopolymers such as cellulose, hemicellulose, lignin etc. Prior treatment of this lignocellulose biomass through various physio-chemical agents like acids, bases, high energy radiations etc help in faster degradation of these polysaccharides to fermentable sugar and finally to bioethanol. However, various inhibitors; like 5-hydroxymethylfurfural (HMF) and 2-furaldehyde (furfural) released in the hydrolysate affect growth of the fermentative agents due to cellular damage during fermentation. In view of this, environment friendly and economically feasible technologies are required to be experimented/invented for inhibitor free fermentation processes. Enzymatic pretreatments offer several added advantages over chemical treatments with higher conversion efficiency, the absence of substrate loss and use of process friendly operating conditions. Use of three different enzymes i.e. cellulase (8.56 U/mg protein), xylanase (95.19 U/mg), and ligninase (75.24 U/mg) from Bacillus spp. CPB-21 & XPB-11, Pseudomonas sp. LPB-06 respectively resulted into 35 ml of fermentable sugar without any side product or inhibitor with initial 50 g of pine needles in 50 ml (0.1 M sodium citrate buffer pH 7.0) after 24 hr incubation under continuous agitation. The process scale-up when tried with 1000 ml of hydrolysate using Saccharomyces cerevisiae, resulted in about 54 % conversion after 48 hr of incubation with 90% purity. The outcome of the present work seems promising and can help to provide a new environment friendly enzymatic pretreatment process for the production of bioethanol a renewable source of energy from the forest waste after further R&D and scale-up trials.
15:10-15:35
15:10-15:35
Biography
After receiving his PhD from the University of York in Chemistry in 2014 studying industrial applications of Baeyer-Villiger monooxygenases, Benjamin Summers has focussed his early career on the use of biotransformations in commercial processes. From 2016 he has worked with Purolite Life Sciences to develop the application of immobilised enzymes and chromatographic resins to a wide range of industrial targets.
Abstract
Synthetic supports for lipase immobilization and exploitation in biodiesel production and oil esterification
Benjamin D Summers
Purolite Ltd., UK
Abstract
A major factor preventing the use of biodiesel as a key fuel is the cost of the feedstock [1], which can be reduced by exploiting used cooking oil (UCO) as a feedstock, particularly by enzymatic conversion using immobilized lipases to maintain low costs and high efficiency by recycling the biocatalyst. [2] These immobilised lipases can also be exploited to perform reactions in industries as varied as pharmaceuticals, food and cosmetics. [3,4,5]
A range of lipases and carriers were tested for suitability in the conversion of UCO and alcohols to alkyl esters, focusing on lipases from Candida antarctica, Rhizomucor miehei and Thermomyces lanuginosa. The carriers selected were ECR1061M (styrene/methacrylic), ECR8804M, ECR8806M (octadecyl methacrylic), ECR1090M (styrenic) and ECR1030M (divinylbenzene/methacrylic). Lipase TL immobilized on ECR1090M obtained 80 % conversion of UCO and methanol to methyl esters in <2 hours in both solvent-containing and solvent-free systems. [6, 7]
In another study, the regioselectivity of lipase TL was found to differ between carriers and even between immobilisation methods. In general, the immobilisation of lipase TL on octadecyl-functionalised carriers resulted in non-regioselective activity in the formation of ethyl oleate from triolein and ethanol. When immobilized on Purolite ECR8806F, however, lipase TL showed excellent 1,3-regioselectivity and activity up to ten-fold greater than commercial preparations. On the same support but under different immobilisation conditions, this same preparation could hydrolyse all three triolein ester bonds. [8]
Purolite resins packed in Spinchem® RB and MagRBR systems also show great promise in facilitating the rapid screening of conditions for enzymatic synthesis both for biodiesel and other processes. By exploiting rotating bed technology to drive the rotational forces required, the RB and MagRBR can be used on a 5 mL – 100 L scale and simplifies the handling and cleanup of immobilisation and biotransformations significantly
15:35-16:00
15:35-16:00
Biography
Hendrik Stein is responsible as fuel expert for the testing fuel department of ASG Analytik-Service GmbH in Neusaess (Germany). He is a chemist and studied chemistry at the university of Braunschweig and the university of Wales Swansea. During his PhD he investigated the non limited – especially particle - exhaust emissions of diesel engines fueled with different renewable and conventional fuels.
.
Abstract
Analytical challenge for the characterization of oxymethylene ether (ome) as a fuel for diesel engines
Hendrik Stein,
ASG Analytik-Service GmbH, Germany
Abstract
Power to X (PtX) is a catch phrase that is discussed a lot. The principle meaning of PtX is to transfer electrical energy into liquid energy for storage reasons. Oxymethylene ether (OME) is such a potentially renewable diesel fuel which can be produced from carbon dioxide and hydrogen. Recent research work on the exhaust emissions of diesel engines fueled with OME showed significant emission reductions. Beside that the principle technical suitability as fuel could be shown as well. At the moment a lot of research work has been started in the automobile industry and on universities to understand how OME behaves as a fuel and how to secure an optimum use. The OME is imported from China at the moment and the quality is not as good as it needs to be for fuel application. Usually there is too much water and formaldehyde present and - depending on the synthesis process – too much C-C bonds are detectable. Beside that compounds are in the OME that need to be controlled as well. The typical diesel fuel according to DIN EN 590 needs to fulfill a certain amount of limit values. For OME there is no EN standard so far because it is still a fuel under research and not in the market for consumers to buy. But it is necessary that the research work that is going on will be done with comparable and well defined OME batches. For this reason a good analytical characterization is needed. The analytical methods need to be developed and discussed in cooperation with the relevant interested parties
16:20-16:40
Azariel Ruiz Valencia
Institut Européen des Membranes, France
Title: A new biological process for CO2 valorization
16:20-16:40
Biography
Azariel Ruiz-Valencia is a PhD student at the European Institute of Membranes. He has been studying by different approaches how microorganisms can help environment, and now his research focuses specifically on the use of microorganisms to convert carbon dioxide into valuable chemicals. He obtained his Master degree at Tuxtla Gutiérrez Institute Technologic.
Abstract
A new biological process for CO2 valorization
Azariel Ruiz-Valencia, Laurence Soussan
Institut Européen des Membranes, FRANCE
Abstract
Statement of the Problem: CO2 is one of the major greenhouse gases accumulating in the atmosphere, with anthropogenic emission of about 35 Gt/y. Among processes that are being developed to help reducing CO2, biological processes are promising as they seem to be more efficient and less energy consuming. Under certain conditions, some microorganisms can use CO2 as a carbon source for fuel production. This work presents a new microbiological process for CO2 reduction into formate, which is being patented. Compared to other biological process, an intracellular energy source is used for the reaction, meaning that no external energy adding such as H2, photons or cofactor is required. The biocatalyst is a consortium of two environmental bacteria growing on methane. In this work, labelled 13CO2 was implemented to evidence the CO2 reduction catalyzed by the bacteria. Methodology: The bacterial culture was done on a mineral medium. Once growth phase ended, cells were harvested and resuspended in a phosphate buffer (pH 7,0). Reaction was performed in a 50 mL sealed vial filled with 5 mL of bacterial suspension and a mixture of 13CO2:air; independent duplicates were done. The suspension was analyzed by 500-MHz NMR spectroscopy; pH and OD600 were also measured. Findings: Both pH and OD600 decreased during the first hours (by about 10% and 30% respectively), then remained constant. All along the reaction, both CO2 and HCO3- were visible in the NMR spectrum at d=124,6 and d=160,2 ppm respectively, as shown in fig.1; later at t=7 days, a peak with d=170,9 ppm appeared, which corresponds to formate (fig.1b). Conclusion and perspective: CO2 reduction into formate is achieved by the bacterial consortium. Quantification of the formate produced and CO2 consumed will be carried out respectively by ionic and gas chromatography.
16:40-17:00
16:40-17:00
Biography
Luma Al-saadi is a PhD Student with a good research background. Confident, reliable, hardworking and organized, able to work under pressure, highly motivated. After her graduation from university of technology in Iraq with honor degree she got a scholarship from Iraqi government as a reward to complete her PhD in the UK. She has got her experience in biodiesel area after working in Newcastle University since 2015. She got 4th papers from her hardworking in this field so far.
l.al-saadi@newcastle.ac.uk
Abstract
Predictors of medication adherence in patients with type 2 diabetes: A multi-dimensional segmentation strategy
Luma Sh. Al-Saadi, Valentine C. Eze and Adam P. Harvey
New Casrtle University, UK
Abstract
Reactive coupling of triglyceride transesterification and in situ acetalisation of the glycerol by-product was investigated by both experimental and kinetic modelling approach. This study was designed to minimise or prevent co-production of crude glycerol in a biodiesel process. This reduces the biodiesel cost, as the solketal produced could be left in the biodiesel as fuel additive. Kinetics of glycerol acetalisation was studied to obtain the data for numerical modelling of the reactively-coupled transesterification and acetalisation. The kinetic model was established using MATLAB software to solve the rate equations by Runge-Kutta “ode45” solver. Parametric study of the reactive coupling process carried out by the use of Design of Experiments (DoE) statistics to evaluate the effects of the reaction conditions, such as acetone to glycerol (oil) molar ratio, residence time, and the silica gel loading, on a one-stage process. The reaction conditions were also investigated for a two-stage reactive coupling process to obtain optimal variables required for high fatty acid methyl esters (FAMEs) and solketal yields. The kinetic model for the reactive coupling of rapeseed oil transesterification and glycerol conversions to solketal showed that excellent match between the experimental and predicted values. The DoE results showed that the one-stage reactive coupling did not achieve high solketal conversions (< 50%) at the reaction conditions studied, however, FAME conversion of up to 99% was achievable. It was found that the two-stage process was more effective, achieving up to 99 % of FAME conversion and 82% for solketal.
17:00-17:25
Naser Aliye Feto
Vaal University of Technology, South Africa
Title: Comparative analysis of different enzyme immobilization techniques for effi cient production of biodiesel
17:00-17:25
Biography
Dr Naser Aliye Feto is a protein engineer by training. He has successfully engineered colour variants of green fluorescent proteins for improved thermostability, folding kinetics and pH-sensitivity. He is a founding head of OMICS Research Group and OMICS Research Facility furnished with the state-of-the-art scientific equipment. He is currently supervising 2 Postdocs and 3 PhD, 7 Masters and 2 Honor students working on a number of cutting-edge research projects. His OMICS Group uses OMICS (Metagenomics, Transcriptomics, Proteomics and Metabolomics) approach to address any scientific questions or develop biotechnological products. He is a recipient of Faculty Research Achievement Award for 2015, Vice-Chancellor’s 2016 “WOW” Award for his commitment and active participation in his respective role. He also received a 2017 Certificate of Acknowledgement for contribution to research at Vaal University of Technology.
naserf@vut.ac.za
Abstract
Comparative analysis of different enzyme immobilization techniques for efficient production of biodiesel
Naser Aliye Feto
Vaal University of Technology, South Africa
Abstract
Unlike fossil-diesel, biodiesel is an attractive alternative fuel because it is green, nontoxic, renewable and biodegradable. Moreover, biodiesel has low emissions of carbon monoxide, nitrogen and sulphur oxides and particulate matter making its combustion emission profile favourable. In addition, compared to fossil-diesel, biodiesel has shown a higher combustion efficiency, flash point, and cetane number and better lubricant efficiency. Hence, with added advantage in reducing greenhouse effect. Production of biodiesel can be catalysed using either chemical or enzymatic method. Also, the chemically-catalysed biodiesel production needs a relatively clean material, such as pure vegetable oil. Besides, alkaline catalysis has the disadvantage of its high sensitivity to both water and free fatty acids present in the oils. Whereas, the enzymatically-catalysed biodiesel production can make efficient use of recycled cooking oil, animal fats and other sources of lipids. Even if the enzymatic approach can make use of cheap feedstock, it has certain limitations such as enzyme being a costly material limiting the use of free enzymes at an industrial scale, since free enzymes are prone to proteolytic-degradation or thermal denaturation & obviously cannot be recycled in its free form. However, immobilization of the enzyme will increase the stability of the biocatalyst and make it recyclable depending on the technique and materials used for immobilization. There are a number of breakthrough in developing different immobilization techniques. However, the sustainability and efficient enzymatic-production of biodiesel depends on proper immobilization of the biocatalyst. Therefore, in this article different immobilization techniques are discussed and the relatively superior immobilization technique for efficient enzymatic-production of biodiesel is outlined.
Keywords: Biodiesel, enzyme, esterification, fossil-diesel, immobilization
13:50- 14:15
13:50- 14:15
Biography
Dr. Jianli Zeng is a senior engineer of the long-term project research department in Research Institute of Petroleum Processing, Sinopec. He mainly focuses on biodiesel preparation and its applications in fuel or fine chemical fields. Dr. Zeng spent over 10 years on biodiesel research and his latest achievement was the invention of SRCA-II process which had been verified in a 2000 t/a pilot plant.
zengjl.ripp@sinopec.com
Abstract
SRCA: A mild catalyst-free biodiesel process
Jianli Zeng, and Zexue Du
SINOPEC, China
Abstract
Statement of the Problem: Biodiesel generated from oil is an attractive biofuel, while the high production cost hinders its development. As the cost of raw materials accounts for about 70% of the total production cost, using low-grade but cheap feedstock is an effective way to reduce cost. Low-grade oils usually contain high content of free fatty acids (FFA), water and unsaponifiable matters. These impurities make it impossible to converted low-grade oils to biodiesel via homogeneous alkali or heterogeneous catalyst catalyzed process. Supercritical methanolysis (SCM) technology which doesn’t require the presence of catalyst has shown its adaption to low-grade feedstocks and friendliness to environment. Though SCM technology exhibits good feedstock flexibility, fast reaction rate and high product yield, the harsh reaction conditions ( ～ 350 ℃ , ～ 20MPa) preclude its commercialization. The purpose of this study is to introduce a mild catalyst-free biodiesel process which is also suitable for low-grade feedstocks and easy to industrialize. Methodology & Theoretical Orientation: The mild catalyst-free biodiesel process (named SRCA process) has been explored on laboratory continues devices and tested in a 2000t/a pilot-plant. Engineering and scale-up problems have been studied and verified in the pilot-plant and a 60000t/a industrial unit. Various oils, including crude plant oils, acid oils, waste cooking oils, PFAD etc. have been used to examine the feedstock flexibility. Findings: FFAs and glycerides in low-grade oils can simultaneously react with methanol in SRCA process under mild conditions (＜280℃, ＜10MPa) . With appropriate heat transfer technology and product separation technology, most tested oils can be converted to biodiesels with high yield. The standard coal consumption of the commercial unit is 145.36 kg/t biodiesel. Conclusion & Significance: The mild catalyst-free process has been proved from laboratory to commercial scale, so it’s worthy to be applied in more factories.
14:15- 14: 40
ADEWOLE O.O
Atlantic International University, USA
Title: Use of charcoal & variables delaying fermentation in wet beans slurry
14:15- 14: 40
Biography
Adewole O has vast & strong expertise in numerical and computational methods, models, he also has strong and intense passion for materials science, biochemical engineering, systems biology and imaging. He has wide and broad research experiences covering computational and numerical methods, models, stochastics and economics, material sciences and quantum mechanics. He is currently the founder, manager and overseer of “Campagna Global Literary Edifice”, which was fully incorporated in Lagos this March, 2017. This research is still going to unravel more frontiers in the field of ‘bio-ethanol, fermentation & chemical processing’. More results would be made available in this field in upcoming events and the nearest future.
clef_mayowa@yahoo.it
Abstract
Use of charcoal & variables delaying fermentation in wet beans slurry
ADEWOLE O.O
Atlantic International University, USA
Abstract
Fermentation is the conversion of monomeric sugars into ethanol and carbondioxide in the presence of microorganisms under anaerobic conditions.
For some simple organisms, fermentation is the only source of ATP. Animals including humans rely on respiration for ATP production, an oxygen-dependent process that is much more efficient than fermentation. Nevertheless, animals use fermentation for production of ATP when oxygen availability is very limited (“hypoxia”), such as in muscle tissue during vigorous exercise when oxygen supply cannot keep up with demand.
In line with the aim and objective of this research project, which is to investigate into the variables affecting the use of charcoal to delay fermentation in wet beans slurry, some physical and chemical analysis were carried out on the wet beans slurry using a PH meter in which a thermometer is incorporated in it and a measuring cylinder was used for the foam level test.
About 250 grams of the ground beans slurry was divided into two portions for testing after the brown beans was measured on the weighing balance and then soaked in water for about 6 minutes in a plastic bucket followed by peeling done manually, the beans was then sieved and separated from its brown shaft making us of a Sieve.
The sample with charcoal was labeled sample “A” while the second sample without charcoal was labeled sample “B” subsequently.
The experiment lasted for a period of 41.15 hours (i.e fourty one hours and nine minutes). During the fourth process, both samples could not be tested as the laboratory had been saturated with foul odor and both samples were packed and sealed in polythene bag for disposal in the trash can.
It was generally observed that the sample with the charcoal lasted for a longer time than that without charcoal before total spoilage occurred.
Key words: Fermentation, Ethanol, Beans – Slurry, Charcoal, pH meter.
Day2: March 30, 2018
Keynote Forum
10:05-10:35
10:05-10:35
Biography
Dr Serge Cosnier is Research Director at CNRS and head of the Department of Molecular Chemistry at the Grenoble Alpes University (France). His activity is focused on electrochemical biosensors, biofuel cells, electrogenerated polymers, molecular electrochemistry and carbon nanotubes.. Dr Cosnier has authored over 340 publications (h-index 56), 2 books and 18 book chapters and was the President of the French Group of Bioelectrochemistry (2001-2014). In 2009, he received the Katsumi Niki Prize of the International Society of Electrochemistry and was appointed as Fellow of this Society (2010). In 2013, Dr Cosnier became a member of the Academia Europaea. Finally, he is the recipient of the 2016 China-France Chemistry Award from the Chinese Chemical Society and the Chemical Society of France..
Serge.Cosnier@univ-grenoble-alpes.fr
Abstract
Recent advances in enzymatic biofuel cells
Serge Cosnier
Univ. Grenoble Alpes, France
Abstract
The need for clean methods of producing electricity for medical applications has stimulated the emergence of biofuel cells as a new generation of fuel cells. This subcategory of fuel cells, mainly rely on redox enzymes, which are very efficient and selective biocatalysts that can advantageously replace rare and expensive platinum-based catalysts in classic fuel cell devices. Enzymes provide exceptional specificities towards their substrates, thus enabling the assembly of both the anode and cathode electrodes of a biofuel cell without the need for membranes. Recent advances in the design of biocathodes based on electrically wired enzymes onto carbon nanotube coatings for the reduction of oxygen will be reported. In particular, a new generation of flexible buckypaper electrodes was produced by using linear polynorbornene polymers containing multiple pyrene groups as crosslinker. Robust buckypapers using copolymers containing both pyrene and activated ester groups for cross-linking and tethering, respectively, will be applied to the covalent binding of redox groups or enzymes. Moreover, buckypapers based on bilirubin oxidase and FAD-dependent glucose dehydrogenase, were developed for the direct electron transfer and the mediated electron transfer, respectively. The resulting biofuel cell based on the O2/glucose system, provides the highest volumetric power reported until now, namely 24.07 mW cm-3. Finally, an innovative approach based on the electrical wiring of enzymes in solution by redox glyconanoparticles resulting from the self-assembly of bio-sourced block copolymers will be presented. We demonstrate the self-assembly, characterization and bioelectrocatalysis of redox-active cyclodextrin-coated nanoparticles. The nanoparticles (diameter: 195 nm) were used as electron shuttles between electrode and bilirubin oxidase providing enhanced current densities for enzymatic O2 reduction.
10:55-11:25
Govinda Timilsina
The World Bank, USA
Title: Biofuels: Markets, policies and future development prospects
10:55-11:25
Biography
Dr. Timilsina is a Senior Research Economist at the Development Research Group of the World Bank, Washington, DC. He has more than 20 years’ experience across a board range of energy and climate change economics and policies at the international level. His key expertise includes biofuels, climate change policies, electricity economics and energy sector as well as general equilibrium modeling for policy analysis. Prior to joining the Bank, Dr. Timilsina was a Senior Research Director at the Canadian Energy Research Institute, Calgary, Canada. At present, he is leading a number of studies including economics of renewable energy including biofuels, modeling of carbon markets in China, sustainable urban planning in the Middle East and North Africa.
Abstract
Biofuels: Markets, policies and future development prospects
Govinda R. Timilsina
World Bank, Washington DC. USA
Abstract
During the decade of 2000 production of biofuels, both biodiesel and ethanol, surged (Figure 1). While the production of ethanol increased by almost 3 folds over the period of six year between 2004 and 2010 from 31 billion liters in 2004 to 86 billion liters in 2010, production of biodiesel increased by more than 8 folds, from 2.3 billion liters in 2004 to 19 billion liters in 2010. After 2010, production of ethanol dropped for the next two years, whereas production of biodiesel increased continuously. This has happened despite the several adverse factors such as fuel vs. food controversy, indirect land-use change debate, drops in oil prices and so on. In 2016, the world produced 135 billion liters of biofuels of which 73% is ethanol and 27% biodiesel.
Government policies are the major drivers for the continuous growth of biofuels. Policy instruments include blending mandates, tax exemption or rebate, direct investment grants. To date more than 35 countries around the world have introduced explicit blending mandates for biofuels (existing or planned). Some countries, (e.g. Costa Rica, Brazil, Indonesia, Paraguay) have mandates to blend biofuels more than 20% by volume.
Despite many obstacles production of biofuels has increased overtime. Although the recent production growth (after 2010) is not as high as that of early 2000’s, it is still growing steadily. We do not see any reason that will disrupt the small and steady growth of biofuels in the future.
This presentation will present the evolution global biofuels market. It will discuss the drivers of global growth of bifuels production and key challenge faced by the biofuels market around the world. It will then highlight policy instruments and market conditions to further expand the global biofuels market in the near future.
Tracks
- Renewable Energy | Bioenergy | Energy and Environment | Algal Biofuels | Biomas | Biogas | Biodiesel
Location: GLENFIDDCH
11:25-11:50
Biserka Lukarić Špalj
INA Oil Refi nery PLC, Croatia
Title: Cultivation of marine cyanobacteria and diatoms on refi nery waste water
11:25-11:50
Biography
Biserka Lukarić Špalj works as an Engineer in Energetics focused on water management, including water intake and wastewater treatment. She has over ten years of experience as SD & HSE Senior Specialist; INA Co, Rijeka Refinery in monitoring emission parameters of environmental pollutants (air, water, waste) and reporting results to the authorities. She participated in issuing Permit for environmental protection (environmental permit, waste management), and in rehabilitation programs, studies and plans, as well as in issuing documents for environmental protection (monitoring plan of greenhouse gases). Also, she improved and solved technological issues connected with environmental pollution. From 2001 until 2005 she worked as Product Support Engineer in application and presentation of specialized industrial cleaning products for food industry, hotels resorts and hospitals. She attended University in Zagreb, Faculty of Chemical Engineering.
Abstract
Cultivation of marine cyanobacteria and diatoms on refinery waste water
Biserka Lukarić Špalj1, Lana Magić1 , Andrea Budiša2, Ines Haberle2, Enis Hrustić2,Tina Šilović2, and Maria Blažina2
1INA Oil Refinery PLC, Croatia
2RuÄ‘er Bošković Institute- Center for Marine Research, Croatia
Abstract
Statement of the Problem: There is a rising interest in connecting biorefinery algal cultivation systems to existing industrial units, such as oil refineries, and wastewater treatment plants particularly due to its positive impact on environment. Therefore the main aim of A3-pico-IIIG project is to reveal potential of the northern Adriatic microalgae for production of biorefinery feedstock by selecting the most suitable according to the following criteria: biomass yield, lipid and carbohydrate productivity, cells harvesting and oil extractability, C16, C18, and FA saturation. Accordingly, the scientifically reliable platform resulting from empirical data and accompanying numerical model will present a base for further development of 3rd generation biofuel in INA Oil Refinery in Urinj, Croatia.
Methodology & Theoretical Orientation: The potential of Adriatic microalgae for cultivation will be acquired through selection of candidate species, based on (i) survey of existing knowledge, (ii) prediction of the optimum required growth conditions through numerical models and (iii) their experimental verification under various feeding-regimes of the photobioreactor. Models will be developed taking into account wastewater characteristics (N, P nutrients, organic C, temperature, salinity, irradiance, light regime) and stoichiometry of the various species.
Findings: Numerous strains of diatoms and cyanobacteria were isolated from Adriatic coastal waters and characterized for tolerance to high NH4 and PO4, low salinity and elevated toxicity. Highest biomass yield observed for Synechococcus sp. was 376 mg/L (dw) and among eucariotic microalgae 800 mg/L (dw) for Microchloropsis gaditana. The same strains demonstrated the least growth inhibition under the 1:1 dilution of industrial with municipal wastewater, and with N:P ratio@28.
Conclusion & Significance: Lessons learned during validation phase will provide a platform for the Adriatic phycoprospecting in biorefining processes, thus enabling INA Oil Refinery to improve the wastewater cleanup procedure through co-generation development. Such co-generation would have a positive environmental impact by reducing pollution and increasing efficiency, as well as positive economic effect by reducing costs of water purification and providing added revenue from the biomass production.
Microalgae growth in photobioreactor under controlled conditions demonstrated high dependence of biomass yield on light spectra characteristics and intensity, 4x higher biomass yield for cyanobacteria under the warm white light and conditions of c(NH4)@800 mM, and high growth-dependence on temperature and day/night cycle by 4 different diatom species.
11:50-12:10
Hermes Jose Loschi
State University of Campinas (UNICAMP), SP-Brazil
Title: An algorithm for development of transition probabilities metrices to predicting ramp events,based on MarkovModel
11:50-12:10
Biography
Hermes José Loschi is currently working as a Professor in photovoltaic systems courses at Unicamp's Extension School (EXTECAMP) and he is a Ph.D candidate by the Department of Communications (DECOM) of the Faculty of Electrical and Computer Engineering (FEEC) at State University of Campinas (UNICAMP), SP-Brazil. He is also a Technical Program and Finance Chair of Brazilian Technology Symposium (BTSym). In the research area of renewable energy, he had the opportunity to: published five articles in scientific journals, published one book on photovoltaic systems and published seven articles in conferences proceedings. He also develop review activities for reputed scientific journals, as the Renewable & Sustainable Energy Reviews from Elsevier.
Abstract
An algorithm for development of transition probabilities matrices to predicting ramp events, based on markov model
Hermes Jose Loschi
State University of Campinas (UNICAMP), SP-Brazil
Abstract
The uncertainly management is a key challenge in grid operations and the probabilistic forecasts will play an important role toward this end as the penetration of photovoltaic solar generation continues to increase. Since so many different aspects can influence in forecasting of photovoltaic solar generation, mainly for this forecasting does an intermediate step of global solar irradiance forecasting, the probabilistic forecasting to predicting ramp events is increasingly used to deal with the factor of global solar irradiance dependence to the dynamics atmospheric and presence and level of clouds, and contribute to higher prediction accuracy through characterization of the ramp events. This paper proposes an algorithm for development of transition probabilities matrices to predicting ramp events, based on Markov model, for application, mainly in local site where there is the absence of a long amount of solarimetric dates and clouds patters information to represent the best characteristics of the ramp events. The tests are repeated for solar data set and observations are presented, prediction modeling results with distinct properties in terms of accuracy are achieved. Through the calculation results of RMSE for the tests of the solar data set referring to the January 2015 of Natal city, It was possible to establish a performance of the prediction method, at time intervals that presented ramp events, with an accuracy from 
. Through the calculation results of RMSE for the tests of the solar data set referring to the January 2016 of Natal city, It was possible to establish a performance of the prediction method, at time intervals that presented ramp events, with an accuracy from 
. This algorithm can be useful and contribute to higher prediction accuracy of global solar irradiance incidence, consequently, photovoltaic solar generation
12:10-12:30
Douglas Aguiar do Nascimento
UNICAMP - Campinas-SP, Brazil
Title: The using of sustainable high voltage equipment insulation materials in brazilian scenario
12:10-12:30
Biography
Douglas Aguiar do Nascimento is an electrical engineer with experience in high voltage testing, pattern recognition, electronic instrumentation and signal and image processing, with development of signal acquisition (DAQ) projects, microcontroller embedded systems and wireless signal transmission (RF). At Furnas Centrais Elétricas SA, Testing and Maintenance Support Division - DEAM.O, he performed collaborative activities in the testing and analysis of partial discharges, assisting in the maintenance of electrical and electronic equipment, and cooperating in performance tests of the generating unit. He is currently a Project Analyst II at the Support Training in IT Foundation (FACTI), Renato Archer Information Technology Center and MSc candidate researcher on the Internet of Things for Smart Cities and Relevant Aspects of Communication Networks, associated to the Visual Communications Laboratory (LCV) at FEEC-UNICAMP (http://lcv.fee.unicamp.br/laboratory/team).
Abstract
The using of sustainable high voltage equipment insulation materials in brazilian scenario
Douglas A do Nascimento1, Yuzo Iano2, Hermes J. Loschi3, and Clayton C. Duarte4
1,2,3State University of Campinas, Brazil
4Furnas Centrais Elétricas, Brazil
Abstract
All economic activities that impact the environment must be submitted to environmental licensing, being mandatory throughout the Brazilian territory. The National Solid Waste Policy (PNRS), established by Law No. 12,305 / 2010 and regulated by Decree No. 7,404 / 2010, establishes the need for compliance with socio-environmental principles through prevention and precaution, eco-efficiency, among others.
An aggravating factor is contaminated and hazardous waste, which, together with the by-products of solid, liquid and gaseous electrical insulation systems, generate negative assets for electric utilities and must have handling, treatment, storage and disposal processes before they are dumped in nature or reused. In case of faults or leaks in transformers, for example, hydrocarbon compounds (mineral oils), due to their relatively high solubility in water, can migrate with rainwater infiltration from the surface to the first layer of the water table. In this scenario, oil leakage from a transformer to a reservoir, makes million liters of water unfit for consumption.
Considering that most of the electrical equipment – e.g. power transformers, capacitor banks, circuit breakers, reactors, switches - present in the plant of the electricity distribution companies use mineral insulating oil and given the Brazilian territorial extension, with an electrical system of interconnected power of great complexity, it is evident the concern with the methods of protection to the environment. The appropriate treatment and disposal of waste generated, therefore, brings benefits such as the improvement of socio-environmental indicators of the company and provides control and monitoring of its assets.
As verified in the last National Seminar on the Production and Transmission of Electric Energy - SNPTEE (2015), there was a high concern regarding the use of insulating oil with respect to proposals for alternative to mineral oil, such as vegetable oil and nanofluids . Works developed by electric utilities have made it apparent, among other studies, the concern with regeneration and contamination of the insulating oil and new approaches of technologies on the evolution and experiences with mineral insulating oil.
This research demonstrates the environmental and energetic impacts of the use of alternative resources to conventional electrical insulation systems through biodegradable materials and through management techniques used in large Brazilian electric power concessionaires, research centers and educational institutions.
12:30-12:50
Carlos Eduardo Bertolassi
State University of Campinas (UNICAMP), SP-Brazil
Title: Maintenance engineering methodology in photovoltaic generation plants
12:30-12:50
Biography
Carlos Eduardo Bertolassi is a MS.c. candidate by the Department of Communications (DECOM) of the Faculty of Electrical and Computer Engineering (FEEC) at State University of Campinas (UNICAMP), SP-Brazil. He works at ABB Company, as a Field Service Engineer for low and medium voltage inverters and before that as a Maintenance Engineer.
eng.carlos.bertolassi@ieee.org
Abstract
Maintenance engineering methodology in photovoltaic generation plants
Carlos Eduardo Bertolassi, and Yuzo Iano
State University of Campinas (UNICAMP), SP-Brazil
Abstract
This research consider two issues within the context of maintenance engineering and aims to correlate them in the photovoltaic generation scenario. The first theme concerns the understanding of the maintenance engineering function (translated here as a set of strategies, actions and personal and automation capacities), as an area extremely linked to the final product to which it relates. In a macro vision, everything spin around intangible points that must become tangible points, translated by Key Performance Indicators (KPI). Maintenance engineering, when treated by top management as "value" rather than just "source of costs", can produce substantial gains. On the other hand, it has the responsibility to seek to understand the real needs of the productive process and to convert its work into tangible points. The best practices in maintenance engineering are understood as those that fit the designated budget and the level of complexity of the process. In this way the KPI must be agreed between the parts of the organization (production and maintenance managements) and transformed into short, medium and long-term actions. That´s why, they must be aligned with the business strategy (remembering that strategies tend to change over time).Assuming as one of the maintenance definitions, "to ensure the reliability and availability of the assets, in order to meet a production program with safety, environmental preservation and adequate costs," we can enumerate some KPI that will aid in the diagnosis the health of a business or enterprise: cost of maintenance versus revenues, availability of process assets, reliability, cost of materials and subcontracting, for example. The second theme deals with concepts of asset management proper, highlighting the acquisition and treatment of data of these assets (equipment) and from the process, in order to allow a diagnosis that leads to better technical and financial decision making and therefore satisfies the management of the enterprise. Once we only have the possibility to control or improve something when it is measured, several electrical and process variables, from field equipment and instrumentation, may be responsible for generate the mass of data for one management. Each equipment or system into a solar plant can provide alarm, fault and status information and more process variables (current, power, temperature, e.g.) what will produce a trend line naturally and consequently possibilities to avoid or mitigate one shutdown or performance decreasing. Remote access technologies, online monitoring and statistical decision-making software will take the place of periodic overhaul techniques simply.
13:50- 14:15
Biography
Dr. Jianli Zeng is a senior engineer of the long-term project research department in Research Institute of Petroleum Processing, Sinopec. He mainly focuses on biodiesel preparation and its applications in fuel or fine chemical fields. Dr. Zeng spent over 10 years on biodiesel research and his latest achievement was the invention of SRCA-II process which had been verified in a 2000 t/a pilot plant.
zengjl.ripp@sinopec.com
Abstract
SRCA: A mild catalyst-free biodiesel process
Jianli Zeng, and Zexue Du
SINOPEC, China
Abstract
Statement of the Problem: Biodiesel generated from oil is an attractive biofuel, while the high production cost hinders its development. As the cost of raw materials accounts for about 70% of the total production cost, using low-grade but cheap feedstock is an effective way to reduce cost. Low-grade oils usually contain high content of free fatty acids (FFA), water and unsaponifiable matters. These impurities make it impossible to converted low-grade oils to biodiesel via homogeneous alkali or heterogeneous catalyst catalyzed process. Supercritical methanolysis (SCM) technology which doesn’t require the presence of catalyst has shown its adaption to low-grade feedstocks and friendliness to environment. Though SCM technology exhibits good feedstock flexibility, fast reaction rate and high product yield, the harsh reaction conditions ( ～ 350 ℃ , ～ 20MPa) preclude its commercialization. The purpose of this study is to introduce a mild catalyst-free biodiesel process which is also suitable for low-grade feedstocks and easy to industrialize. Methodology & Theoretical Orientation: The mild catalyst-free biodiesel process (named SRCA process) has been explored on laboratory continues devices and tested in a 2000t/a pilot-plant. Engineering and scale-up problems have been studied and verified in the pilot-plant and a 60000t/a industrial unit. Various oils, including crude plant oils, acid oils, waste cooking oils, PFAD etc. have been used to examine the feedstock flexibility. Findings: FFAs and glycerides in low-grade oils can simultaneously react with methanol in SRCA process under mild conditions (＜280℃, ＜10MPa) . With appropriate heat transfer technology and product separation technology, most tested oils can be converted to biodiesels with high yield. The standard coal consumption of the commercial unit is 145.36 kg/t biodiesel. Conclusion & Significance: The mild catalyst-free process has been proved from laboratory to commercial scale, so it’s worthy to be applied in more factories.
14:15- 14: 40
ADEWOLE O.O
Atlanctic International University, USA
Title: Use of charcoal & variables delaying fermentation in wet beans slurry
14:15- 14: 40
Biography
Adewole O has vast & strong expertise in numerical and computational methods, models, he also has strong and intense passion for materials science, biochemical engineering, systems biology and imaging.
He has wide and broad research experiences covering computational and numerical methods, models, stochastics and economics, material sciences and quantum mechanics.
He is currently the founder, manager and overseer of “Campagna Global Literary Edifice”, which was fully incorporated in Lagos this March, 2017.
This research is still going to unravel more frontiers in the field of ‘bio-ethanol, fermentation & chemical processing’.
More results would be made available in this field in upcoming events and the nearest future.
clef_mayowa@yahoo.it
Abstract
Use of charcoal & variables delaying fermentation in wet beans slurry
ADEWOLE O.O
Atlantic International University, USA
Abstract
Fermentation is the conversion of monomeric sugars into ethanol and carbondioxide in the presence of microorganisms under anaerobic conditions.
For some simple organisms, fermentation is the only source of ATP. Animals including humans rely on respiration for ATP production, an oxygen-dependent process that is much more efficient than fermentation. Nevertheless, animals use fermentation for production of ATP when oxygen availability is very limited (“hypoxia”), such as in muscle tissue during vigorous exercise when oxygen supply cannot keep up with demand.
In line with the aim and objective of this research project, which is to investigate into the variables affecting the use of charcoal to delay fermentation in wet beans slurry, some physical and chemical analysis were carried out on the wet beans slurry using a PH meter in which a thermometer is incorporated in it and a measuring cylinder was used for the foam level test.
About 250 grams of the ground beans slurry was divided into two portions for testing after the brown beans was measured on the weighing balance and then soaked in water for about 6 minutes in a plastic bucket followed by peeling done manually, the beans was then sieved and separated from its brown shaft making us of a Sieve.
The sample with charcoal was labeled sample “A” while the second sample without charcoal was labeled sample “B” subsequently.
The experiment lasted for a period of 41.15 hours (i.e fourty one hours and nine minutes). During the fourth process, both samples could not be tested as the laboratory had been saturated with foul odor and both samples were packed and sealed in polythene bag for disposal in the trash can.
It was generally observed that the sample with the charcoal lasted for a longer time than that without charcoal before total spoilage occurred.
Key words: Fermentation, Ethanol, Beans – Slurry, Charcoal, pH meter.
15:00- 15:20
Ranim ALAYOUBI
University of Picardie Jules Verne, France
Title: Ethanolic fermentation by Kluyveromyces marxianus with imidazolium ionic liquids
15:00- 15:20
Biography
Ranim Alayoubi is a second-year PhD student at both the University of Picardie Jules Verne in Amiens, France, and the Lebanese University. She received a bachelor’s degree in biochemistry and a master’s degree in applied biotechnology from the Lebanese University. Her current field placement is at the Enzymatic and Cellular Engineering Unit FRE-CNRS 3580 in Amiens, France. Her research interests include the valorization of the lignocellulosic biomass in second generation bioethanol and high value chemicals, in mild and eco-friendly conditions. Ranim Alayoybi thanks the Conseil Régional de Picardie/Hauts de France, the European Fund of Regional Development (SISAF project), the AZM & Saade association and the Lebanon University for funding this work.
ranim.alayoubi@u-picardie.fr
Abstract
Ethanolic fermentation by Kluyveromyces marxianus with imidazolium ionic liquids
Ranim ALAYOUBI1, Nasir MEHMOOD1, Eric HUSSON1, Achraf KOUZAYHA2, Mohamad TABCHEH2,Catherine SARAZIN1 and Isabelle GOSSELIN1
1University of Picardie Jules Verne, France
2Lebanese University, Lebanon
Abstract
Statement of the Problem: Lignocellulosic Biomass (LCB) is an abundant and renewable feedstock of great interest for the production of high value chemicals and biofuels, such as second generation bioethanol. It consists of three major components: cellulose, hemicellulose, and lignin. However, the access to these biopolymers is hindered by the recalcitrance of the plant cell walls. For that reason, a pretreatment step is necessary to disorganize and/or fractionate the lignocellulosic matrice. Recently, the use of Ionic Liquids (ILs) in the LCB pretreatment has shown his effectiveness in improving ethanolic yields after enzymatic saccharification and microbial fermentation [1,2,3]. However residual IL remaining in the pretreated LCB, even after several washing steps, had significant inhibitory effects on the fermentative microorganisms, but interaction mechanisms between ILs and cells are still unknown [4]. In this context, the purpose of this study was to investigate the impact of two room temperature imidazolium-ILs on Kluyveromyces marxianus, a thermotolerant ethanologenic yeast [5]. Methodology: K. marxianus was grown on a culture medium containing glucose as carbon source with various concentrations of the classically used IL: 1-ethyl-3-methylimidazolium acetate [Emim][OAc], or the newly developped IL: 1-ethyl-3-methylimidazolium methylphosphonate [Emim][MeO(H)PO2]. The effects of both ILs were assessed on K. marxianus growth, glucose consumption and ethanol production. In addition, the respirofermentative status and cell morphology were also characterized. Findings: The presence of ILs in the culture medium induced wrinkled, softened and holed yeast shapes. K. marxianus tolerated IL additions until 2% for [Emim][OAc] and 6% for [Emim][MeO(H)PO2]. Below these thresholds, some precise IL concentrations enhanced ethanolic yields until +34% by switching the metabolic status from respiratory to fermentative. Conclusion & Significance: these two imidazolium-ILs were appropriate solvents for the LCB pretreatment. K. marxianus is an interesting fermentative yeast in a second generation bioethanol process with IL pretreatment.
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Muntaka Musah
University of Professional Studies, Accra- Ghana
Title: How can ghana transform its economy through biofuel and bioenergy
15:20-15:40
Biography
Yakubu Musah muntaka is my name, Ghanaian by citizen. I had my elementary school at St. Peters international school early 1999s and later finished my junior high school at kings international school in 2004. I then proceeded to Adventist senior high school where I completed with distinction in may 2008. I then moved further to the university of professional studies, Accra where I had my first degree in Business Administration and held various leadership position as the local NUGS President where I completed in August 2013. A year after I did my compulsory national service at the National Health Insurance Scheme( NHIS) as an assistant administrator. I later moved to Milito Enterprise at Dworwulu as an administrator IN MAY 2015. Two years after I established my own enterprise, YM ventures which deals with import and export of general goods. Currently am reading Masters programme in oil and gas at the university of professional studies,Accra. My passion is to serve my country, for that matter am also working at Galaxy oil as an assistant administrator which is a Ghanaian owned oil and gas company. Am married to Hajara Issah Mohammed who is a graduate from the same university I completed. My interest is reading, watching football and swimming.
Muntakamusah11@yahoo.com
Abstract
How can Ghana transform its economy through biofuel and bioenergy
Yakubu Muntaka Musah
University of Professional Studies, Accra- Ghana
Abstract
Bioenergy is energy derived from biofuel. Biofuels are energy derived directly or indirectly from organic material such as plant and animal waste. The introduction of biomass has led to the production of energy domestically and industrially.
Approximately about 15% of the world population precisely developing countries uses biofuel in the production of energy. This is so because developing nations produces energy traditionally through biomass such as wood, animal dung, farm produce etc.
Ghana unlike the other developing countries produces about 50,000 tonnes of farm produce and animal dung daily, making it the world number one country in the production of cocoa and also known in the production of livestock.
But how can Ghana being a developing country transform its economy through biofuel and bioenergy as a paradigm shift to power its economy,
Firstly,the need to use farm produce, wood, animal dung etc to produce biomass for the production of biofuel for energy should be done often. Through effective and efficient use of biofuel and bioenergy could help Ghana transform its economy in the era of energy crisis. Even though Ghana is known in the production of crude and natural gas, but with a careful and effective use of organic materials in the production of energy would help transform its economy.
In addition, biomass can be converted to convenient energy containing substances in three different ways,
Thermal conversion, chemical conversion and biochemical conversion. This biomass conversion can result in fuel in solid, liquid, or gas form. This new biomass can also be used directly for biofuel
Moreover, this biomass can be used as fuel in vehicles, energy for production purposes, energy for domestic use among important domestic and industrial use.
The use of biofuel in our era has gain international recognition due to the growing world population but with limited crude reserves.
So as a developing country like Ghana, biomass which aid in the production of biofuel and bioenergy is the way to go to transform its economy. It is of importance for Ghana to explore all the advancement in biomass as a paradigm shift in powering it economy
In conclusion, exploring the advancement in the field of biofuels and bioenergy enhances effectiveness in the production of energy.
15:20-15:40
Silvio Renato Messias de Carvalho
State University of Campinas (UNICAMP), SP-Brazil
Title: Study of energy effi ciency in experimental sewage effluent reprocessing plant
15:20-15:40
Biography
Silvio Renato Messias de Carvalho is currently working as a Professor in photovoltaic systems courses at Unicamp's Extension School (EXTECAMP) and he is a Ph.D by the Department of Communications (DECOM) of the Faculty of Electrical and Computer Engineering (FEEC) at State University of Campinas (UNICAMP), SP-Brazil. He is also a Reviewer of Brazilian Technology Symposium (BTSym). Yours interested research area are renewable energy, energy efficiency, telecom in RF areas and video.
srcmessias@gmail.com
Abstract
Study of energy efficiency in experimental sewage effluent reprocessing plant
Silvio Renato Messias de Carvalho,
State University of Campinas (UNICAMP), SP-Brazil
Abstract
Preservation of the environment and energy efficiency from the use of renewable energies are currently recurring themes that will define the continuity of human society in the near future. The increasing demand for energy and its finite resources make it imperative to use these resources efficiently. Efficient use is directly linked to the treatment and reuse of waste from human productive processes. The simple equation that predicts that a system is not viable when it consumes more energy than it produces can be revised if it brings a very low environmental cost compared to a system that although very efficient brings a very high environmental cost afterwards.
The correction of the environmental cost is inefficient, because it will require much more energy for its correction. The integration of energy systems with renewable and non-renewable sources can be a transition step for green systems where harm must be minimal to the environment. In order to solve a historical environmental problem, many cities are attempting to reduce or eliminate the volume of sludge discarded in the landfill. Specifically for the city of São Paulo- Brazil- this amount is approximately 500 tons per day. The concentration of solar rays through the parabolic reflector has a relatively simple construction showing its viability for use may reach temperatures up to 350º C. Adding thermal energy to photovoltaic energy increases the efficiency of solar energy use by not restricting itself in a single way of solar energy conversion.
The proposal in question is to add thermal energy from the sun and its photovoltaic energy to the treatment of domestic sewage and provide purified water to low-income populations using solar energy more efficiently. This treatment could be distributed and not concentrated in a single treatment plant, but its application becomes facilitated in an already constructed sewage treatment plant.