Steam explosion: Efficient conversion of biomass side streams
Steam explosion is a physico-chemical treatment for biomass conversion, involving short-time steam cooking at high temperature and pressure, followed by explosive decompression. This process opens fiber structures without extensive polymer degradation, improving biomass recovery, making it more suitable for processes like hydrolysis or fermentation. Benefits include low environmental impact, low capital investment, reduced use of hazardous chemicals, high yield, and suitability for large-scale operations.
This technique is typically used on lignocellulosic biomass, but it has also been shown to have a great effect on the inner structure of feathers and the obtained keratin, enabling a greater exploitation of feather waste. It enhances keratin recovery and reduces environmental impact compared to chemical hydrolysis.
The European poultry sector generates 3.6 million tonnes of waste feathers each year, of which only around 25% are collected separately and valorised. This and other waste streams could be utilised more with the steam explosion technology. The keratin obtained from feathers has for example been tested as an additive to different biodegradable plastics to enhance the biodegradability in applications as seed trays, mulch films and hydroponic foams.
RISE Processum has a Thermochemical Pre-treatment testbed that consists of a reactor and an expansion vessel. The reactor has a volume of 40 liters and can withstand a pressure of approximately 30 bar, a maximum temperature of 225°C, and a wide pH range. This test bed can be used for any type of biomass, as for example wood chips, wheat straw, corn stalks, cacao beans etc and is open for others to try their ideas on.
MAINSTREAMing small-scale BIO-based solutions across rural Europe via regional Multi-actor Innovation Platforms and tailored innovation support
Completed | 2022-2025
- Main funding source
- Horizon Europe (EU Research and Innovation Programme)
- Geographical location
- Bulgaria, Denmark, Ireland, Netherlands, Poland, Spain, Sweden, Greece, Belgium