Patented Organosolv Process

AST has collaborated with the University of Wisconsin - Stevens Point (UWSP) to develop an Organosolv process for the fractionation of whole biomass and converting its components to valuable fuels and chemicals. In this process, all three different components of the biomass (hemi, cellulose, and lignin) are separated in a single step. Currently, we have two reactors (0.5-2 Kg biomass) at UWSP to screen and optimize the process.

At AST, we have a pilot process which can process 40-80 Kg of whole biomass in 1.5-2 hours. Once the components are separated, we use our 100L hydrolysis unit (ceramic) to convert the oligomers to monomer sugars. The lignin is used in our two pyrolysis units to produce bio-oil and hydrocarbon fuels through a catalytic process.

Our integrated process does not waste any component of the biomass. We are also working with a European company to commercialize our lignin to produce bioplastics which will further reduce the cost of the process and sugars.

Mild Conditions

The fractionation process is operated at 140-180 C under autogenous to 50-60 psi added pressure (200-280 psi at the peak temperature). The hydrolysis process works at 40-60 C and 4-5 psi.

High Yield

The fractionation process yields 40-55% cellulose, 20-30% lignin, and 20-25% hemicelluloses. This process is very efficient in producing more than 95% yield to sugars. Lignin is also more than 95%.