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54. Life-cycle assessment of bioethanol from pine residues via indirect biomass gasification to mixed alcohols

Author

Daystar, Jesse, Reeb, Carter, Venditti, Richard, Gonzalez, Ronalds, and Puettmann, Maureen E.

Subjects
Biomass energy -- Analysis, Feedstock -- Economic aspects -- Analysis, Life cycle assessment -- Analysis, Energy industry -- Economic aspects, Business, Forest products industry
Abstract

The goal of this study was to estimate the greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions and fossil energy requirements from the production and use (cradle-to-grave) of bioethanol produced from the indirect gasification thermochemical conversion of loblolly pine (Pinus taeda) residues. Additional impact categories (acidification and eutrophication) were also analyzed. Of the life-cycle stages, the thermochemical fuel production and biomass growth stages resulted in the greatest environmental impact for the bioethanol product life cycle. The GHG emissions from fuel transportation and process chemicals used in the thermochemical conversion process were minor (less than 1 percent of conversion emissions). The net GHG emissions over the bioethanol life cycle, cradle-to-grave, was 74 percent less than gasoline of an equal energy content, meeting the 60 percent minimum reduction requirement of the Renewable Fuels Standard to qualify as an advanced (second generation) biofuel. Also, bioethanol had a 72 percent lower acidification impact and a 59 percent lower eutrophication impact relative to gasoline. The fossil fuel usage for bioethanol was 96 percent less than gasoline, mainly because crude oil is used as the primary feedstock for gasoline production. The total GHG emissions for the bioethanol life cycle analyzed in this study were determined to be similar to the comparable scenario from the Greenhouse Gases, Regulated Emissions, and Energy Use in Transportation model. A sensitivity analysis determined that mass allocation of forest establishment burdens to the residues was not significant for GHG emissions but had significant effects on the acidification and eutrophication impact categories., ********** The United States is the largest bioethanol producing country, with 49.2 billion liters as of 2010 (Renewable Fuels Association [RFA] 2010). Controversy around conventional biofuels, which are usually produced [...]

Published
2012

59. Hardwood lumber buyer purchase attributes and relationships with suppliers

Author

Dasmohapatra, Sudipta and Gonzalez, Ronalds W.

Subjects
Consumer preferences -- Case studies -- Surveys, Industrial suppliers -- Economic aspects -- Surveys -- Comparative analysis, Business, Forest products industry
Abstract

Abstract The purpose of this study was to examine product and supplier attributes that influence purchase decisions of hardwood lumber buyers in the United States. Specifically, this article explores the [...]

Published
2010

64. Risk Analysis, Practice, and Considerations in Capital Budgeting: Evidence from the Field for the Bio-based Industry.

Author

de Assis, Camilla Abbati, Suarez, Antonio, Prestemon, Jeffrey P., Stonebraker, Jeffrey, Carrillo, Carlos, Dasmohapatra, Sudipta, Jameel, Hasan, and Gonzalez, Ronalds

Abstract

This study aims to examine how organizations in the bio-based industry perceive risks and perform risk analysis within the capital investment decision-making process. More specifically, this study aims to assess sources of uncertainty commonly considered, identify tools and methods used for risk assessment, and understand how risk analysis is considered in capital budgeting. Eighty-six respondents were electronically surveyed on practices for capital investment risk analysis, including C-suite and upper management from different organization sizes and segments in the bio-based industry. It was found that some forms of risk analysis are utilized either in project assessment and/or for decision making by most respondents; however, qualitative and deterministic assessment practices dominate over probabilistic methods. In addition, risk assessment is most commonly performed in the later stages of a project, with less than 50% of adoption at the earlier stages. Overall, the main sources of uncertainties considered when performing risk assessment are financial, market and sales, and technology, with competition being considered mostly by upper management levels. Additionally, consistent with previous studies in other industry sectors, Internal Rate of Return, Return on Investment, and Net Present Value are the preferred financial indicators used to evaluate capital investments. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Published
2021
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65. Techno‐economic analysis of hemicellulose extraction from different types of lignocellulosic feedstocks and strategies for cost optimization.

Author

Geng, Wenhui, Venditti, Richard A., Pawlak, Joel J., De Assis, Tiago, Gonzalez, Ronalds W., Phillips, Richard B., and Chang, Hou‐min

Subjects
SUGARCANE, HEMICELLULOSE, SWITCHGRASS, WHEAT straw, PULP mills, CAPITAL costs, OPERATING costs, CAPITAL investments
Abstract

Hemicellulose is a polymer found abundantly in lignocellulosic feedstocks, with many potential market applications. However, there has yet to be a large‐scale commercial process to isolate hemicellulose from lignocellulosic biomass. A techno‐economic assessment for hemicellulose extraction from sugarcane bagasse, switchgrass, and poplar was made. Two isolation processes after alkaline extraction were considered: (1) producing total hemicellulose and (2) producing hemicellulose A (water‐insoluble fraction) only. In a greenfield scenario, a byproduct of the process is sugar, whereas in a co‐location scenario the biomass after hemicellulose extraction is returned to the pulp mill for its fiber value. Operating costs, capital investment, minimum hemicellulose selling price (MHSP), the effect of input material and product prices along with several other process parameters on the MHSP were determined for each scenario. Co‐location scenarios had a dramatically lower capital cost and MHSP relative to greenfield scenarios. This was due to co‐location scenarios utilizing existing biomass processing and utilities equipment and not requiring a sugar‐production process. Among the three biomasses, hemicellulose extraction from sugarcane bagasse had the lowest MHSP for all scenarios, mainly due to a higher hemicellulose extraction yield. Extraction of hemicellulose A from sugarcane bagasse in a co‐location scenario had a low capital cost of 56 million USD and had a reasonable MHSP of 274 USD/t (metric ton). This research indicates that there is reasonable economic potential for hemicellulose extraction from lignocellulosic biomass for applications to replace starch or as a starting material for the production of xylo‐oligomeric prebiotics. © 2019 Society of Chemical Industry and John Wiley & Sons, Ltd [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Published
2020
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66. Effect of Pulp Properties, Drying Technology, and Sustainability on Bath Tissue Performance and Shelf Price.

Author

Yuhan Wang, Zambrano, Franklin, Venditti, Richard, Dasmohapatra, Sudipta, Assis, Tiago De, Reisinger, Lee, Pawlak, Joel, and Gonzalez, Ronalds

Abstract

The relationship between the types of pulp, the tissue making technologies, and shelf price of bath tissue was evaluated for the North American market. Twenty-four market tissue samples (representing approximately 80% of the current market offering) were sourced and analyzed along with their nationwide price information. Pulp composition, drying technologies, market share, sustainability advertising, and tissue properties were evaluated. Tissue properties, including softness, ball burst strength, water absorbency, density, tensile strength, and tensile modulus were measured. Among all the drying technologies, creped through-air dry (CTAD) and creped through-air dry belt (CTADB) seemed to improve tissue softness most. The UCTAD maximized tissue bulk by drying the tissue web solely using a through-air (TAD) cylinder. Tissue samples with freeness between 575 to 650 mL seemed to have their properties improved more significantly through advanced drying technologies. It was found that the retail prices of these bath tissues were directly related to softness, bulkiness, water absorbency, and basis weight. A mathematical model was conducted to predict the retail price of bath tissue (based on product performance and attributes). This paper also identified the effect of “sustainability” on the retail price. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Published
2019
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72. Cover Image, Volume 12, Issue 2

Author

de Assis, Camilla Abbati, primary, Iglesias, Maria Celeste, additional, Bilodeau, Michael, additional, Johnson, Donna, additional, Phillips, Richard, additional, Peresin, Maria Soledad, additional, Bilek, E.M. Ted, additional, Rojas, Orlando J., additional, Venditti, Richard, additional, and Gonzalez, Ronalds, additional

Published
2018
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73. Techno‐economic analysis of various biochemical conversion platforms for biosugar production: Trade‐offs of co‐producing biopower versus pellets for either a greenfield, repurpose, or co‐location siting context

Author

Reeb, Carter, primary, Phillips, Richard, additional, Venditti, Richard, additional, Treasure, Trevor, additional, Daystar, Jesse, additional, Gonzalez, Ronalds, additional, Jameel, Hasan, additional, and Kelley, Stephen, additional

Published
2018
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75. Cover Image, Volume 11, Issue 4

Author

de Assis, Camilla Abbati, primary, Houtman, Carl, additional, Phillips, Richard, additional, Bilek, E.M. (Ted), additional, Rojas, Orlando J., additional, Pal, Lokendra, additional, Peresin, Maria Soledad, additional, Jameel, Hasan, additional, and Gonzalez, Ronalds, additional

Published
2017
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78. Risk management consideration in the bioeconomy

Author

de Assis, Camilla Abbati, primary, Gonzalez, Ronalds, additional, Kelley, Stephen, additional, Jameel, Hasan, additional, Bilek, Ted, additional, Daystar, Jesse, additional, Handfield, Robert, additional, Golden, Jay, additional, Prestemon, Jeff, additional, and Singh, Damien, additional

Published
2017
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80. Relationship between Human Perception of Softness and Instrument Measurements.

Author

Yuhan Wang, De Assis, Tiago, Zambrano, Franklin, Pal, Lokendra, Venditti, Richard, Dasmohapatra, Sudipta, Pawlak, Joel, and Gonzalez, Ronalds

Subjects
MATERIALS texture, HYGIENE, DISH towels, STIFFNESS (Mechanics), SURFACE roughness
Abstract

Softness, as a subjective perception, is difficult to define and quantify. For decades, panel tests have been used to judge differences in the softness of hygiene tissue samples. Panel tests can be a time-consuming and expensive process. A number of protocols have been developed to quantify the physical properties of tissues associated with softness. The Tissue Softness Analyzer (TSA) by Emtec has gained popularity in characterizing the physical properties of tissues associated with softness. The instrument was designed with softness in mind and attempts to simulate the touch of the human hand. There is currently no comprehensive study that compares the results from a TSA and human panel. In this work, panel tests were used to validate the performance of the TSA with bath tissue. It was determined that one component of the TSA measurements (TS7) linearly correlated with the panel results. Among all of the algorithms available for use with the TSA, the TP2 algorithm most accurately predicted the panel scores. The TSA performed better in predicting the softness of the samples that were dried with a conventional wet press or creped-through air-dryer. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Published
2019
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86. Cellulose micro- and nanofibrils (CMNF) manufacturing - fi nancial and risk assessment.

Author

de Assis, Camilla Abbati, Iglesias, Maria Celeste, Bilodeau, Michael, Johnson, Donna, Phillips, Richard, Peresin, Maria Soledad, Bilek, E.M. (Ted), Rojas, Orlando J., Venditti, Richard, and Gonzalez, Ronalds

Subjects
MANUFACTURING processes, MICROFIBRILS, RISK assessment, WOOD-pulp refining, FEEDSTOCK
Abstract

Conversion economics, risk, and fi nancial analyses for an industrial facility manufacturing cellulose micro- and nanofibrils (CMNF) from wood pulp is presented. Process data is based on mass and energy balances from a pilot facility in the University of Maine. Here, CMNF is produced from untreated wood pulp by using disk refining, with an assumed production capacity of 50 t (dry metric ton equivalent) per day. Stand-alone and co-location manufacturing facilities were simulated and assessed. Minimum product selling prices (MPSP, estimated to achieve a 16% hurdle rate) for different scenarios ranged from USD 1893/t CMNF to USD 2440/t CMNF (dry equivalent). Pulp and energy consumption were identified as major cost drivers. Consequently, it was found that the use of alternative feedstock, in addition to co-location configuration, can reduce MPSP by 37%. Since estimated MPSP of CMNF is lower than cellulose nanocrystals (CNC) - both estimated to achieve a 16% hurdle rate, we believe market adoption of CMNF in the near term is more promising, regardless of specific applications. This study provides state of the art business intelligence information on the conversion economics, risk, and fi nancial analyses for CMNF manufacturing. Thus, the data represents valuable information to entrepreneurs, R&D scientists, and product developers who plan to adopt CMNF in their processes and products. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Published
2018
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87. High-Strength Antibacterial Chitosan–Cellulose Nanocrystal Composite Tissue Paper

Author

Tyagi, Preeti, Mathew, Reny, Opperman, Charles, Jameel, Hasan, Gonzalez, Ronalds, Lucia, Lucian, Hubbe, Martin, and Pal, Lokendra

Abstract

A heightened need to control the spread of infectious diseases prompted the current work in which functionalized and innovative antimicrobial tissue paper was developed with a hydrophobic spray-coating of chitosan (Ch) and cellulose nanocrystals (CNCs) composite. It was hypothesized that the hydrophobic nature of chitosan could be counterbalanced by the addition of CNC to maintain fiber formation and water absorbency. Light-weight tissue handsheets were prepared, spray-coated with Ch, CNC, and their composite coating (ChCNC), and tested for antimicrobial activity against Gram-negative bacteria Escherichia coliand a microbial sample from a human hand after using the rest room. Water absorption and strength properties were also analyzed. To activate the surface of cationized tissue paper, an oxygen/helium gas atmospheric plasma treatment was employed on the best performing antimicrobial tissue papers. The highest bactericidal activity was observed with ChCNC-coated tissue paper, inhibiting up to 98% microbial growth. Plasma treatment further improved the antimicrobial activity of the coatings. Water absorption properties were reduced with Ch but increased with CNC. This “self-disinfecting” bactericidal tissue has the potential to be one of the most innovative products for the hygiene industry because it can dry, clean, and resist the infection of surfaces simultaneously, providing significant societal benefits.

Published
2019
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98. The Business of Forest Enterprise / Urban Ecosystems

Author

Narolski, Steve, primary, Mei, Richard Bin, additional, De La Torre, Rafael, additional, Clutter, Mike, additional, Pait, John, additional, Kelly, Maggi, additional, Cubbage, Frederick, additional, MacDonagh, Patricio, additional, Balmelli, Gustavo, additional, Olmos, Virginia Morales, additional, Bussoni, Adriana, additional, Rubilar, Rafael, additional, Kotze, Heyn, additional, Muraro, Mauro, additional, Hoeflich, Vitor Afonso, additional, Hall, Peter, additional, Yao, Richard, additional, Lord, Roger, additional, Huang, Jin, additional, Monges, Elizabeth, additional, Perez, Carmelo Hernandez, additional, Wikle, Jeff, additional, Adams, Paul, additional, Gonzalez, Ronalds, additional, Carrero, Omar, additional, Abt, Robert, additional, Koesbanda, Sadharga, additional, Liang, Jingjing, additional, McCarter, James, additional, Perez-Garcia, John, additional, Sehnalek, Gerhard, additional, Zhang, Yanli, additional, McBroom, Matthew, additional, Sharma, Benktesh, additional, Wang, Jingxin, additional, Nepal, Prakash, additional, Ince, Peter, additional, Skog, Kenneth, additional, Chang, Sun, additional, Row, Clark, additional, Ford, Susan, additional, Jackson, Sam, additional, Rialsb, Timothy, additional, Williams, Hans, additional, McNamee, Rachel, additional, Unger, Daniel, additional, Hung, I-Kuai, additional, Farrish, Kenneth, additional, Siry, Jacek, additional, Harris, Tom, additional, Izlar, Bob, additional, Menard, Trae, additional, Lim, Kevin, additional, Pitt, Doug, additional, Woods, Murray, additional, Treitz, Paul, additional, Gralewicz, Nick, additional, Potter, Tiffany, additional, Dunster, Jeff, additional, Rothstein, Lewis, additional, Grala, Robert, additional, Grebner, Donald, additional, Munn, Ian, additional, Hussain, Anwar, additional, Jones, Mitchell, additional, Cushing, Tamara, additional, Wolfson, Alan, additional, Stewart, Tom, additional, Jones, Doug, additional, Allen, Steve, additional, Moore, Susan, additional, Moorman, Christopher, additional, Abdollahi, Kamran, additional, Ning, Zhu, additional, Davis, Jan, additional, Boughton, Jerry, additional, Leonhardt, Ken, additional, Loeb, Robert, additional, Bettinger, Pete, additional, Merry, Krista, additional, Bowker, J.M., additional, Gill, Samantha, additional, Thompson, Richard, additional, Mills, John, additional, Trueman-Madriaga, Teresa, additional, Lecaroz, Rosario, additional, Mojzak, Andrea, additional, Denovan, Rory, additional, Tsai, Wei-Lun, additional, Bruton, Candice, additional, Leung, Yu-Fai, additional, McHale, Melissa, additional, Baran, Perver, additional, Floyd, Myron, additional, Wade, Charles, additional, Wolf, Kathleen, additional, Romolini, Michele, additional, Brinkley, Weston, additional, Robbins, Alicia, additional, Blahna, Dale, additional, Daniels, Jean, additional, Cole, Michelle, additional, and Allen, Brenda, additional

Published
2011
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