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Bioenergy Yields from Sequential Bioethanol and Biomethane Production: An Optimized Process Flow

Author

Listed:
  • Lisandra Rocha-Meneses

    (Institute of Technology, Estonian University of Life Sciences, 51006 Tartu, Estonia)

  • Oghenetejiri Frances Otor

    (School of Engineering, Tallinn University of Technology, 19086 Tallinn, Estonia)

  • Nemailla Bonturi

    (Institute of Technology, University of Tartu, 50411 Tartu, Estonia)

  • Kaja Orupõld

    (Institute of Agricultural and Environmental Sciences, Estonian University of Life Sciences, 51006 Tartu, Estonia)

  • Timo Kikas

    (Institute of Technology, Estonian University of Life Sciences, 51006 Tartu, Estonia)

Abstract

This study investigates the potential of different stages of the bioethanol production process (pretreatment, hydrolysis, and distillation) for bioethanol and biomethane production, and studies the critical steps for the liquid and the solid fractions to be separated and discarded to improve the efficiency of the production chain. For this, Napier grass (a fast-growing grass) from Effurun town of Delta State in Nigeria was used and the novel pretreatment method, nitrogen explosive decompression (NED), was applied at different temperatures. The results show that the lowest glucose (13.7 g/L) and ethanol titers (8.4 g/L) were gained at 150 °C. The highest glucose recovery (31.3 g/L) was obtained at 200 °C and the maximum ethanol production (10.3 g/L) at 170 °C. Methane yields are higher in samples pretreated at lower temperatures. The maximum methane yields were reported in samples from the solid fraction of post-pretreatment (pretreated at 150 °C, 1.13 mol CH4/100 g) and solid fraction of the post-hydrolysis stage (pretreated at 150 °C, 1.00 mol CH4/100 g). The lowest biomethane production was noted in samples from the liquid fraction of post-pretreatment broth (between 0.14 mol CH4/100 g and 0.24 mol CH4/100 g). From the process point of view, samples from liquid fraction of post-pretreatment broth should be separated and discarded from the bioethanol production process, since they do not add value to the production chain. The results suggest that bioethanol and biomethane concentrations are influenced by the pretreatment temperature. Napier grass has potential for bioethanol and further biomethane production and it can be used as an alternative source of energy for the transportation sector in Nigeria and other countries rich in grasses and provide energy security to their population.

Suggested Citation

  • Lisandra Rocha-Meneses & Oghenetejiri Frances Otor & Nemailla Bonturi & Kaja Orupõld & Timo Kikas, 2019. "Bioenergy Yields from Sequential Bioethanol and Biomethane Production: An Optimized Process Flow," Sustainability, MDPI, vol. 12(1), pages 1-19, December.
  • Handle: RePEc:gam:jsusta:v:12:y:2019:i:1:p:272-:d:303059
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    References listed on IDEAS

    as
    1. Rocha-Meneses, Lisandra & Raud, Merlin & Orupõld, Kaja & Kikas, Timo, 2019. "Potential of bioethanol production waste for methane recovery," Energy, Elsevier, vol. 173(C), pages 133-139.
    2. Lisandra Rocha-Meneses & Jorge A Ferreira & Nemailla Bonturi & Kaja Orupõld & Timo Kikas, 2019. "Enhancing Bioenergy Yields from Sequential Bioethanol and Biomethane Production by Means of Solid–Liquid Separation of the Substrates," Energies, MDPI, vol. 12(19), pages 1-16, September.
    3. David Lazarevic & Michael Martin, 2018. "Life cycle assessment calculative practices in the Swedish biofuel sector: Governing biofuel sustainability by standards and numbers," Business Strategy and the Environment, Wiley Blackwell, vol. 27(8), pages 1558-1568, December.
    4. Isah Y. Mohammed & Yousif A. Abakr & Feroz K. Kazi & Suzana Yusup & Ibraheem Alshareef & Soh A. Chin, 2015. "Comprehensive Characterization of Napier Grass as a Feedstock for Thermochemical Conversion," Energies, MDPI, vol. 8(5), pages 1-15, April.
    5. Ben-Iwo, Juliet & Manovic, Vasilije & Longhurst, Philip, 2016. "Biomass resources and biofuels potential for the production of transportation fuels in Nigeria," Renewable and Sustainable Energy Reviews, Elsevier, vol. 63(C), pages 172-192.
    6. Norfadhilah Hamzah & Koji Tokimatsu & Kunio Yoshikawa, 2019. "Solid Fuel from Oil Palm Biomass Residues and Municipal Solid Waste by Hydrothermal Treatment for Electrical Power Generation in Malaysia: A Review," Sustainability, MDPI, vol. 11(4), pages 1-23, February.
    7. Francis Kemausuor & Muyiwa S. Adaramola & John Morken, 2018. "A Review of Commercial Biogas Systems and Lessons for Africa," Energies, MDPI, vol. 11(11), pages 1-21, November.
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