Converting Waste Agricultural Biomass into a Resource - UNEP

Detailed Process Description
There are 3 basic steps in the Syntec Process:
4. production of syngas (CO, H2) either through the gasification of
biomass feedstock, or through steam reforming/partial oxidation of
biogas or landfill gas,
5. conversion of syngas to bio-alcohols over Syntec catalyst in a fixed bed
reaction unit,
6. separation and purification of bio-alcohols (high purity) to ethanol,
methanol, n-propanol and n-butanol.
Main Products: Ethanols and Bio Alcohols
Social Considerations
Unlike petroleum-based fuels, biofuels are made from an unlimited renewable
resource base which makes them one of the cleanest ways to mitigate carbon
dioxide, carbon monoxide, particulate and other green house gas emissions
associated with global transportation.
Ethanol contains 35% oxygen by volume, is biodegradable, non-toxic and
carbon neutral, however, the true ethanol superstar would be that which is
made from renewable and renewable waste resources. Ethanol derived in
said fashion holds the potential of dramatic environmental benefits on order of
magnitude greater than any other biofuel production path save perhaps
biodiesel made from algae
Investments and Operating Cost
Syntec has undertaken to raise up US$3 million dollars to ramp up technical
staff, purchase equipment and provide working capital for development,
testing and quantifying the life of the catalysts prior to commercialization.
Syntec’s yield is equivalent to revenues in excess of $27 million per year for a
300 ton per day biomass processing facility.
Advantages to Developing Countries
Perhaps the most important aspect of the Syntec Process is the ability to
convert abundant, low cost (sometimes negative cost) waste products into
ethanol and bio-alcohols without harming the agricultural land base or
competing with consumable food stocks. These green biofuels significantly
reduce green house gas emission. Moreover, enough biomass exists and is
renewed every year in North America, and other parts of the world, to
significantly reduce a country’s dependence on imported oil required for
petroleum derived fuels.
Disadvantages to Developing Countries
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