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Alabama River Companies. Biorefining Journey. Biorefining Technologies Explored. Crude Tall Oil (CTO) to biodiesel Hemicellulose extraction prior to pulping – VPP Ethanol from semi-bleached fiber Gasification of biomass/sludge. Biorefining Technology Results.
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Alabama River Companies Biorefining Journey
Biorefining Technologies Explored • Crude Tall Oil (CTO) to biodiesel • Hemicellulose extraction prior to pulping – VPP • Ethanol from semi-bleached fiber • Gasification of biomass/sludge
Biorefining Technology Results • CTO to biodiesel – not feasible, fractionating the resins from the fatty acids too costly – and the remaining sulfur component is an issue • VPP – technology not developed and business plan suspect • Ethanol from semi-bleached fiber • Use slip stream to prove process • Business model only valid during periods of poor pulp pricing coupled with high ethanol pricing
Biorefining Technology Results • Gasification (syngas) makes the most sense in the short term as a lime kiln fuel - but not without issues • 2006 DOE/OBP biorefinery solicitation – the minimum $50 million award required a $75 million investment • Alabama River processes over 150 BDT of sludge per day with good btu value which makes it a viable feedstock • Project economics require an additional 150 BDT of biomass per day – availability, price and procurement issues • OBP may have some 10% solicitations in 2007
Official announcement of biodiesel facility made 9/27/06 • Plant capacity of 40 million gallons • Initial primary feedstock will be soybean oil • Projected start up late 1st quarter 2007 • Project capitalizes on synergies of the two processes/operations