Transforming Biomass Preprocessing for Advanced Gasification
Closed Special Notice Posted
- Solicitation number
- BA-1577
- Agency
- Department of Energy
- Responses due
- Set-aside
- No set-aside
Opportunity facts
- NAICS code
- 541714 Research and Development in Biotechnology (except Nanobiotechnology)
- Place of performance
- Idaho Falls, Idaho 83415, United States
- Points of contact
-
- Andrew Rankin td@inl.gov
Notice details come from SAM.gov. Updated .
About this opportunity
The Department of Energy has issued a Special Notice focused on a novel biomass preprocessing technology developed by Idaho National Laboratory (INL) for advanced gasification systems. The notice describes an innovative approach to transforming biomass feedstock by combining densification and torrefaction techniques to improve particle characteristics and energy efficiency. The technology addresses significant challenges in biomass processing, including high energy demands and inconsistent particle morphology that have historically impeded efficient gasification. Categorized under the NAICS code 541714 for Biotechnology Research and Development, this special notice highlights a technological solution for renewable energy applications. The opportunity is part of INL's technology deployment strategy to license intellectual property and collaborate with industry partners.
The primary objective of this special notice is to connect with companies interested in licensing and commercializing a biomass preprocessing technology that can significantly reduce size reduction energy and improve feedstock flow properties for gasification systems. Potential market applications include gasification systems, renewable energy projects, oil and gas alternatives, and research and development initiatives. The technology supports diverse feedstocks such as corn stover, woody biomass, and municipal solid waste, offering broad adaptability. While no specific set-aside is indicated, the opportunity is open from January 13, 2025, to January 13, 2026, providing a full year for potential industry partners to engage. Key advantages of the technology include a 10x reduction in size reduction energy, improved particle flow characteristics, scalable design, and the ability to create hydrophobic biomass materials. INL explicitly states they are seeking licensing and commercialization partnerships and are not interested in procurement or hiring external services for technology development.
Notice text
Transforming Biomass Preprocessing for Advanced Gasification
Efficient and Scalable Biomass Feedstock Preparation for High-Performance Gasifiers
The Challenge
Biomass presents unique challenges as a feedstock for gasification due to its fibrous nature and hydrophilic properties. Conventional methods struggle to achieve the fine particle size and uniform characteristics required for advanced gasification systems. Problems such as high energy demands, inconsistent particle morphology, and poor flow characteristics often lead to reduced throughput and operational inefficiencies. Current solutions—like ball milling—fall short in handling the tensile and structural resilience of biomass, making it a barrier to the efficient adoption of biomass-based gasification.
How It Works
This process combines densification and torrefaction to prepare biomass for advanced gasifiers:
- Densification: Compresses the biomass into dense pellets, rearranging particles and creating a more uniform structure. During compression, natural lignin migrates to fill gaps, smoothing particle boundaries and improving flow characteristics.
- Torrefaction: Applies thermal energy in an oxygen-free environment to partially devolatilize the biomass, reducing its fibrous strength and making it hydrophobic. This embrittles the material, simplifying size reduction and reducing energy demands.
- Enhanced Pulverization: The pretreated biomass is pulverized using high-throughput hammer mills, achieving fine particle sizes with a 10x reduction in size reduction energy. This ensures particles with an ideal aspect ratio, smooth surfaces, and uniform density, which are essential for efficient gasifier feed.
This streamlined preprocessing method ensures consistent particle size and flow properties, optimizing biomass compatibility with entrained flow gasification systems.
Key Advantages
- Energy Efficiency: Reduces size reduction energy by a factor of 10 compared to conventional methods.
- Improved Flow Properties: Creates smooth, dense particles with enhanced flow characteristics, minimizing feedline blockages and downtime.
- Scalable Design: Achieves fine particle sizes at high throughput, meeting the demands of industrial-scale gasifiers.
- Adaptability: Supports diverse feedstocks, including corn stover, woody biomass, and municipal solid waste, expanding the range of usable materials.
- Hydrophobic Conversion: Torrefaction reduces moisture content and enhances storage stability by making biomass hydrophobic.
Market Applications
- Gasification Systems: Improves the performance of advanced gasifiers by enabling efficient handling of biomass feedstocks.
- Renewable Energy Projects: Supports the growing need for sustainable energy solutions by enhancing biomass utilization.
- Oil and Gas Alternatives: Aligns with the strategic goals of oil and gas companies transitioning to renewable energy.
- Research and Development: Facilitates advancements in biomass preprocessing for academic and industrial research.
INL’s Technology Deployment department focuses solely on licensing intellectual property and collaborating with industry partners who can commercialize our innovations.
We do not engage in purchasing, procurement, or hiring external services for technology development. Our objective is to connect with companies interested in licensing and bringing our technologies to market.
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