Assessment of Conversion Technologies for Bioalcohol Fuel ...

Pure Energy Corp., Paramus, New Jersey
Organizational Background–Pure Energy Corporation (PEC), established in 1992,
is a renewable energy and biotechnology development company, with partner
laboratories and testing centers in five states. PEC’s activities have been partly
funded by USDOE, USEPA and other federal and state agencies. Among various
biofuel production technologies under development by PEC is an integrated biorefinery
concept that combines biochemical and thermochemical technologies. PEC has also
developed and patented a number of proprietary fuel formulations
Technology Characteristics–The PEC technology process, shown in Figure A14,
involves feedstock size reduction followed by an integrated two stage hydrolysis
process. The resultant slurry contains lignin, ash and unreacted cellulose, which can
be used to generate electricity and process steam. The glucose produced through
hydrolysis can be treated to produce ethanol and organic acids. The xylose
component is processed using thermochemical treatment. The technology combines
fuels, solvents and chemicals production by combining fermentation and catalytic
thermochemical conversion processes into a single processing system. Among the coproducts
obtainable from the process are organic acids, furans, aldehydes and esters.
Development Status–PEC reports that, since 1997, it has operated its biorefinery
system in the laboratory, at the pilot scale and in a demonstration plant, working in
conjunction with the Tennessee Valley Authority. Over 42 different biomass feedstocks
have reportedly been tested, including various agricultural wastes, municipal solid
waste components and wood waste and other industrial wastes.
Future Plans–PEC plans to continue developing or licensing innovative technologies
for the production of fuels, the fuels' constituent chemicals and their formulations. The
company indicates that it is prepared to scale up its technology and implement it in a
commercial plant.
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