Citation

Wilke, C. R., Yang, R. D., Sciamanna, A. F., and R. P. Freitas, Raw materials evaluation and process development studies for conversion biomass to sugars and ethanol. Biotechnology and Bioengineering 23: 163-183, 1981.

Abstract

A range of cellulosic raw materials in the form of agricultural crop residue was analyzed for chemical composition and assessed for potential yields of sugars through chemical pretreatment and enzymatic hydrolysis of these materials. Corn stover was used a representative raw material for a preliminary process design and economic assessment of the production of sugars and ethanol. With the process as presently developed, 24 gal ethanol can be obtained per ton of corn stover at a processing cost of about $1.80/gal exclusive of by-product credits. The analysis shows the cost of ethanol to be highly dependent upon: 1) the cost of the biomass 2) the extent of conversion to glucose, 3) enzyme recovery and production cost, and 4) potential utilization of xylose. Significant cost reduction appears possible through further research in these directions.

Country, State, District, etc.

United States, California

Language

English

Material

rice straw, barley straw, corn stover, sorghum straw, wheat straw

Use category

ethanol production