Grantee Research Project Results
Final Report: Highly Efficient Water Management System for Lignocellulosic Biomass
EPA Contract Number: EPD12024Title: Highly Efficient Water Management System for Lignocellulosic Biomass
Investigators: Kelly, John T.
Small Business: Altex Technologies Corporation
EPA Contact: Richards, April
Phase: I
Project Period: March 1, 2012 through August 31, 2012
Project Amount: $79,490
RFA: Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) - Phase I (2012) RFA Text | Recipients Lists
Research Category: Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) , SBIR - Sustainabile Utilization of Biomass
Description:
Summary/Accomplishments (Outputs/Outcomes):
For the switchgrass, miscanthus, yard waste and ethanol plant residues tested under this effort, moisture reductions of 52.4%, 72.0%, 50.7% and 63.0%, respectively, were obtained using the HEWMS process. These are substantial reductions achieved with energy use reductions of 53.2% to 60.5 %, versus conventional evaporative drying, as well as with corresponding priority pollutants and greenhouse gas reductions. Also, economic analyses for several cases showed that the HEWMS concept is economically feasible. Considering both capital and operating costs, HEWMS reduces drying costs per ton by 54%, 52%, and 47%, versus conventional drying for plant capacities of 10,000 tpy, 20,000 tpy and 30,000 tpy, respectively. These are substantial savings that will drive the commercial use of HEWMS.
Conclusions:
Supplemental Keywords:
biomass, water management, lignocellulosic material, biofuelThe perspectives, information and conclusions conveyed in research project abstracts, progress reports, final reports, journal abstracts and journal publications convey the viewpoints of the principal investigator and may not represent the views and policies of ORD and EPA. Conclusions drawn by the principal investigators have not been reviewed by the Agency.