Eco-efficient downstream processing of biofuels and bio-based chemicals

The aim of this project is to investigate and develop eco-efficient separation technologies (based on process intensification principles) for the downstream processing of biofuels and bio-based chemicals. In order to become economically viable, biorefineries need to drastically reduce the large costs of separation and purification steps. In this respect, the project will integrate various separation techniques for optimal process design, using new technologies and configurations developed specifically to suit the difficult bio-separations involving complex mixtures where the useful products are in low concentration. This will be achieved by exploiting the synergy between the physical and chemical phenomena taking place in multi-phase systems where the products are obtained by bio-chemical reactions or isolated from natural resources. Process modeling and simulations will be used to develop eco-efficient separation processes that can reduce the downstream processing costs by 20-50 % or even more. Strong process simulation skills are required.