Energy > Biofuels > Processes

Under AGRICE studies have been carried out pertaining to thermochemical processes, i.e. transformation of plant molecules by heat action. Thermochemistry encompasses four types of processes, distinguished by the amount of oxygen (hence, air) supplied, which are, in decreasing order: incineration, combustion, gasification and pyrolysis. Combustion and incineration of biomass produce low-grade energy (heat). Pyrolysis/gasification yield intermediate products with greater energy and chemical value added (coal, pyrolytic liquids, gas). Gasification appears to be the most promising thermochemical pathway for biomass, generating both heat and power thanks to its high efficiency. But further research is needed to optimise this process.
Concerning production of motor fuels, the pyrolytic oils obtained have not yet reached the quality of fossil fuels. Studies on this topic are exploring further the mechanisms involved in the formation of the three phases (gas and/or liquid and/or solid) which are necessary for the design of future energy reactors.

2005
Bioethanol as an alternative fuel for fuel cells (BioPAC Phase II)

1999
Producing activated carbon for purification of liquids
Robust non-linear controls of methanisation processes

1998
Hydrogen production by reforming ethanol in a membrane reactor to supply a fuel cell
Codigestion of swine slurry and fermentable agricultural products for energy use of biogas

1997
Conception and design of a thermal scrubbing process for gases released by biomass gasification
Methanisation of lignocellulose

1996
Combustion of raw rapeseed oil, vinasse and heavy fuel-oil for heat production
Production of activated charcoal from plants for wastewater treatment, via integrated energy recovery from crops planted on set-aside lands
Thermochemical treatment of biomass under high heat flux to obtain valuable products via pyrolysis
Production of a liquid fuel by pyrolysis of aqueous-phase biomass in the presence of hydrogen
Treatment and value-added processing of biomass by methane fermentation

1995
Cofiring of biomass with carbon-containing wastes. Impregnation of pollutants on lignocellulose. Evaluation of use for soil cleanup
Installation of an industrial pilot plant for producing methane fuel from biomass in a rural area