Hydrothermal Processing of Aqueous Biomass: Process Development and Integration of a Novel Heating Technique.

Abstract

Hydrothermal processing of aqueous biomass has received increased attention lately. The robust conversion capabilities, competitive product production, and superior energy utilization have been cited as the primary advantages of hydrothermal processing over competing thermochemical conversion platforms. However, significant challenges impede the scale-up and widespread adoption of this promising technology. Most hydrothermal processing studies have been limited to bench-scale batch systems which exhibit significant challenges to the future viability of this process. In this work we propose transforming the conventional batch process into a continuous self-regulated process capable of operating under a variety of hydrothermal processing conditions. Our efforts to improve the process control and integrate a novel ohmic heating device are discussed. At present, material limitations impose a significant challenge to super-critical thermochemical processing; however, we have developed a robust system capable of a variety of sub-critical conditions.