A New Frontier in Process Development
Developments and process proposals within the recently-emerged “Alternative Fuels Industry” are truly staggering. While everyone seems to have a great idea, both technical and economic realities will slowly but surely eliminate those processes which are not technically viable or economically attractive. Depending on the feedstocks, the conversion processes may include fermentation, chemical extraction, steam stripping, azeotropic distillation, gasification, or simply hydrotreating. The design, scale-up, or refinement of such processes are all areas where PROCESS’ experienced process design engineers can provide alternative energy and chemical solutions. We have significant experience in Gas to Liquids (GTL), Ethanol process engineering and design, and Biodiesel production processes on both a pilot and commercial scale.
Technical Areas to Consider
If gasification technology is being used, has this technology been adequately developed or purchased from a proven source? Can it be practiced economically at the client’s scale? How will the gasifier be fed from a material handling standpoint? Have realistic and efficient gas cleaning and heat recovery systems been developed?
Our experience has been that one of the most difficult and underestimated stages of many gasification processes is the gas cleanup of the product streams exiting the gasifier or pyrolysis unit. Many components can exist which can be problematic even at relatively low concentration levels. PROCESS has the experience and knowledge to recommend the most effective, reliable, and cost-efficient treatment options and alternative energy solutions for such streams. The same process benefits apply when dealing with the highly energy-intensive dehydration processes involved in the production of many liquid fuel products via fermentation.