Iowa State University will receive $329,856 from the National Science Foundation's Engineering program (CFDA 47.041) for the project "Valorization of Solid Digestate through Autothermal Hydrothermal Liquefaction" from January 1, 2023 to December 31, 2024.
The project aims to develop a calorimetric hydrothermal liquefaction reactor to intensify the process through direct autothermal operation. This approach will overcome heat transfer bottlenecks and allow for scale-up by providing process energy through partial oxidation of low-value aqueous byproducts. Experiments under inert and oxidative conditions will determine the extent to which liquefaction energy needs can be met through this method. If successful, the research has the potential to help address the approximately 565 teragrams of wet waste generated annually in the U.S., including agricultural residues and food waste. Results from the project could also lay the groundwork for process intensification of hydrothermal liquefaction for a variety of wet waste streams.