Description

Theory
1

Theory/Practice
3

Instructors

Margarida Ribeiro

Contents

1. Introduction (2 weeks)
1.1 Concept of Biorefineries
1.2 Generations of Biorefineries
1.3 Raw material for biorefineries
1.4 Biorefinery Processes
2. Biorefineries as sources of chemicals (5 weeks)
Chemical, biological and thermochemical processes for the production of chemicals - description of processes, key variables and equipment.

3. Biorefinery as fuel source (7 weeks).
Chemical, biological and thermochemical processes for the production of biofuels? description of processes, key variables and equipment:
3.1 chemical process - production of biodiesel;
3.2 fermentative processes:
- aerobic - production of bioethanol;
- anaerobic - production of biogas;
3.3 Thermochemical processes:
- gasification - synthesis gas production;
- pyrolysis - production of bio-oil and carbonized solids;

Learning Outcomes

This curricular unit provides the fundamental knowledge and skills on the functioning of biorefineries, in particular: Concept of biorefinery; Raw material for biorefineries;Processes in biorefineries; Products obtained from biorefineries.

At the end of the course, the student should be able to understand the functioning of biorefineries and solve the material balances involved in this type of industry.

O1 - Identify and understand the concept of biorefinery, the raw materials used, the processes employed, and the products obtained in biorefineries.
O2 - Identify and understand the different equipment used in these technologies;
O3 - Understand and evaluate the effect of operational variables on the yield of the bioprocess;
O4 - Select the most appropriate technical solutions for obtaining a bioproduct;
O5 - Scale the process (necessary raw materials, obtained products) and select the suitable equipment for the implementation of the biorefinery.