Assessment of Conversion Technologies for Bioalcohol Fuel ...

Technology Characteristics–The Paszner ACOS Process is a hydrolysis process
described as “a unique solvent pulping variant in which the chemistry in the reactor
has been modified in a manner that total (100%) dissolution of all biomass
components becomes possible in a single step, achieved by the use of a benign
congruent solvent system”. The proprietary solvent chemistry brings about
simultaneous hydrolysis of both carbohydrates and lignin and prevents unwanted
byproducts (such as furfurals). 100 percent solvent recycling is said to be achieved,
with no wastewater disposal requirements. No feedstock pre-treatment is required
other than chipping or hammer-milling. The process is intended to be a simple, lowcost,
low-temperature, short reaction time process applicable to any lignocellulosic
feedstocks, including all coniferous and deciduous tree and shrub species and their
barks, agricultural crop residues and grasses, municipal cellulosic solid wastes,
various manures and paper mill sludge. The process is said to be amenable to smallscale
applications.
Development Status–The Paszner ACOS process has been under development for
28 years, with various bench-scale and pilot-scale testing conducted. This
development work has received limited funding support from Energy Mines and
Resources Canada, a Canadian government agency. This testing is said to have
involved some 35 lignocellulosic species of feedstocks. An engineering feasibility
study was completed in 1994. The most recent physical testing phase of the process
was apparently completed in 2001, and funding for further phases of development has
yet to be obtained. Paszner delivered a presentation on its technology at the USDOE
Ethanol Workshop held April 2003 in Sacramento.
Future Development Plans–Paszner Technologies has identified and developed
preliminary plans for projects applying its plans at numerous sites in Canada, the U.S.,
and various other countries. However, none of these projects is known to be moving
forward at this time, with Paszner continuing to pursue funding for continued
development of its process and to seek potential partners for its commercialization.
Petrobras, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
Organizational Background–Petrobras was formed in 1953 when Brazilian
President Vargas signed a law establishing the monopoly of the Brazilian federal
government over the activities of the oil industry in the country and authorizing the
creation of Petróleo Brasileiro S.A. Petrobras as the state company to be the executor
of the monopoly. Today Petrobras is the world’s14th largest oil company, and
operates as a semi-public corporation, with activities in at least seven countries
besides Brazil. Petrobras has been instrumental in the development of Brazil’s
ethanol fuel program (Proalcool) since its inception in the 1970s. Recently, Petrobras
announced that the company is developing a biomass-to-ethanol process at its
corporate research and development center.
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