Membrane processes in biorefineries: Opportunities and challenges to integrate membrane processes

Biorefineries are integrated biotech facilities aiming on full utilization of feedstock for the simultaneous production of e.g. food, biofuels and biochemicals. This presentation will provide an overview supported by case and application studies on the integration of membrane processes into biorefineries. Starting with the pre-treatment of the raw material e.g. wood biomass or starch, micro- (MF) and ultrafiltration (UF) can be integrated in the extraction and polishing of the raw materials followed by the conversion of the raw materials into sugar. These sugars can then be polished by a decanter – UF synergy process and - if diluted - concentrated by reverse osmosis (RO) before fermentation. During fermentation, the biofuels/biochemicals are produced and can be continuously removed by e.g. MF/UF/pervaporation (PV) to prevent product inhibitions from stopping the fermentation. Subsequently, MF, UF, nanofiltration (NF), RO and PV can be used for concentration/polishing of the biofuels/biochemicals. Furthermore, membranes can be used to close the water loop of biorefineries by e.g. using RO for evaporator condensate polishing or membrane bioreactors (MBRs) for the end-of-pipe treatment. Overall this presentation will highlight the opportunities of membrane processes in biorefineries, a key concept in solving future’s energy and environmental challenges.