Biorefinery: Integrated Sustainable Processes for Biomass Conversion to Biomaterials, Biofuels, and Fertilizers

This book discusses the biorefinery of biomass feedstocks. In-depth chapters highlight the scientific and technical aspects and present a techno-economic analysis of such systems. By using a TEA approach, the authors present feasible pathways for conversion of biomass (both residual biomass, energy crops and algae biomass), showing the different possibilities for the production of biochemical materials, biofuels, and fertilizers. The concepts presented in this book will link companies, investors, and governments by providing a framework that will help reduce pollutants and create a biomass related economy that incorporates the newest developments and technologies in the area.

Dr. Jens Ejbye Schmidt earned his PhD in Environmental Biotechnology in 1993 from Department of Biotechnology of the Technical University of Denmark (DTU). He is currently a full professor in Chemical Engineering at Masdar Institute, with focus on production of sustainable biofuels. In addition he is head of the Institute Center for Energy (iEnergy). Prior to his appointment at the institute, Dr. Schmidt was head of the Bioenergy & Biorefinery Program at Risø National Laboratory for Sustainable Energy, DTU. From 2000 to 2007, he was the head of the Wastewater Group, and associate professor at the Department of Environment & Resources DTU. Dr. Schmidt was associate professor in the Anaerobic Microbiology/Biotechnology Research Group, Department of Biotechnology/Department of Applied Chemistry, DTU from 1998 to 2000 and was acting head of the group during part of the period also. He has published more than 200 technical articles and book chapters.
Dr. Juan-Rodrigo Bastidas-Oyanedel (Juan) was awarded his PhD in Engineering Processes at the Laboratory of Environmental Biotechnology (LBE-INRA France) in February 2011. His research subject was the Thermodynamic modeling of Anaerobic Digestion. Juan holds undergraduate and Master degrees in Biochemical Engineering from the Pontificia Universidad Católica de Valparaíso (Chile). Juan contributes with his expertise on bioreactor design, set-up, operation and optimization; analytical methods for metabolic fermentation products monitoring MIMS, HPLC, GC, MS); and modeling of biological systems (Mixed and Pure microbial cultures) and electron transfer phenomena.