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Biorefinery

Biorefinery

The term biorefinery means ‘the separation of a stream of biomass in different parts’. These parts can then be further processed into products for food, feed, heat and power, and products for the chemical industry. Biorefinery is therefore an important part of the Biobased Economy, in which sustainable processing of biomass plays a major role.

What we do?

At ACRRES, in close cooperation with companies, we investigate innovations in the biorefining of biomass, such as algae and sugar beet. We also look closely at residue streams, such as roadside clippings, manure, digestate and aqueous streams.

At ACRRES we test ideas and concepts from our partners, with our partners. We perform process development and we scale up from the laboratory to pilot scale so that a new process can be demonstrated, which in turn facilitates the market launch. We also make modelling calculations of the technological innovations of companies we cooperate with. These are based on measurements ‘from the field’.

Examples

ACRRES has a pilot plant in which we ferment sugar beet, in partnership with Dutch Sustainable Development BV (DSD). This pulp is treated with the Beta Process to improve fermentation. We are also working on innovations in the refining of Stevia plants in order to produce natural sweeteners and fibres. We are also looking at, for example, the production of short-chain fatty acids from biomass, which can then be used to produce bioplastics.

Partnerships

Our practical research capabilities, combined with our ambitious attitude, hands-on mentality and the availability of our own laboratory and testing facilities (including fully controlled 5L fermenters), ensure that we can accelerate the development of biorefinery technologies together.

Interested?

Are you interested in working with us to advance the development of your technology? Do you want to test your technology under field conditions? Discuss the options with Maarten Kootstra, tel.: 0320-291302. E-mail: maarten.kootstra@wur.nl

Related projects

  • GO-GRASS: GRASS-BASED CIRCULAR BUSINESS MODELS FOR RURAL AGRI-FOOD VALUE CHAINS - Around 21% of the EU’s total surface area is covered by grassland and green shrubs. Nowadays, this resource is mostly left unused. Apart from the wasted potential, the neglect creates costs for individuals and the society. GO-GRASS is committed to transform this untapped potential, making it usable, reducing imports of nutrients and dependence on fossil…
  • Alternative protein production of algae, insects and worms - Through literature reviews, interviews with stakeholders and contributions to symposia, the perspective of the cultivation of algae, insects and worms as an alternative source of protein and animal feed additive becomes clear and the need and interest for further research is identified. We are working on alliances and projects to tackle this together. For more…
  • Sustainable protein production with microalgae - Together with FBR and IMARES (also part of Wageningen University & Research) the production of proteins using algae is examined. This involves the use of mathematical models for the required input of energy and data of nutrients from practical tests. Focus is on the one hand, the use of protein as livestock and fish feed,…
  • Fermentation - With a lab scale fermentation installation (3×5 L), this project looks at the possibilities for the processing of biomass. Raw materials can be fermented for example to, ethanol, lactic acid, or other building blocks for the chemical industry. This equipment can also be used to examine, for example, hydrolysis of liquid manure, or extraction of…
  • Chembeet - Chembeet is an Era-Net project (European Research Area Network), with the goal to extract biofuel (bioethanol and biogas) and other green chemicals from sugar beet, by means of fermentation using direct processing. In this project ACRRES works with DSD, the University of Warmia & Mazury (Poland), and Van Antwerp Milieutechniek (Van Antwerp Environmental Engineering). The…
  • Algae refining Kelstein - This project looks at the valorisation of algal biomass. Components are examined to determine which may have value, and whether to, or how to refine these, in order to allow this value to be reflected. You can think of valorization in terms of the feed industry, but also for food and chemicals. For more information…
  • Bioplastics PHA - PHA bioplastics are produced by fermentation. ACRRES, together with FBR (also part of Wageningen University & Research) and industrial partners, looks into which residues can be used as raw material for PHA production. The focus is on fatty acids, and then on acidic waste streams such as sewage sludge and plant material, and on the…
  • Stevia - Steviol glycosides from the stevia plant are used in foods as a calorie-free natural sweetener, and are approximately 300 times sweeter than sugar. Along with Newfoss (process development) and Koers (grower), ACRRES works on sustainable extraction of the sweetener from the plant. Tests have shown that the developed extraction method is very effective, but that…
  • Green leaf - The goal of this project is to extract soluble proteins, especially from beetleaf, mainly to be applied in the food industry. This preferable without the green color, but the possibilities for the application of green protein concentrate are considered. There is collaboration with WUR FBR, ABCKroos and Provalor. For more information please contact Maarten Kootstra,…
  • PPS small scale biorefinery - This project is developing several biorefinery business cases. Here, the specific advantages can be identified on a small scale with the aim to utilize this knowledge on a broader scale. The project focuses on green leaf refining (beet, stevia), production of PHAs (raw material for plastic substitutes), maize refining, small-scale sugar beet refining, biogas production…

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Contact

ACRRES
Edelhertweg 1
8219 PH Lelystad

Postbus 430
8200 AK

+31 320 29 11 11
info@acrres.nl

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