Fermentation of Lignocellulosic Feedstocks: Product Markets and Values

摘要

Ethanol is the primary product of biomass hydrolysis and fermentation processes. The quantity and quality of coproducts depend on the feedstock and on the process steps employed. When the feedstock is lignocellulosic - wood or herbaceous energy crops, such as napier grass or kenaf - substantial quantities of lignin and five-carbon sugars and derivatives are produced, and the sale of these and other coproducts has a potentially large impact on the economics of fuel alcohol production. For each product, potential markets and materials competing for these markets (or competing routes to the same product) are identified. The value of ethanol as a chemical, octane enhancer, and fuel is estimated. Coproduct credits are calculated, and the potential benefits resulting from coproduct recovery are estimated. The quantity of each material that could be produced by fermentation is compared with the size of potential markets. Where coproducts of substantial fuel ethanol manufacture could saturate their markets, the question of whether early sales could serve as a wedge to ethanol market penetration is addressed. 20 refs., 7 figs., 3 tabs. (ERA citation 11:047372)