Biomasses are renewable energy sources that can be used as substitutes for fossil fuels. They consist of agricultural residues (straw, bagasse and husks from different plants, e.g., rice) or of plants cultivated specifically for this purpose. However, in its original state, biomass has characteristics that make it difficult, if not impossible to use in industrial processes, i.e., relatively low energy density, large volumes difficult to transport, uneven size and high levels of humidity.
Therefore, pretreatment by enzyme hydrolysis and gasification is an important step in processes for adding value to these organic residues destined for the production of energy, fuel or chemical products. Depending on the subsequent process, pretreatment can involve stages for characterization of the biomass, milling, drying, granulometric processes, agglomeration (pelletizing and briquetting) and toasting. Pretreatment techniques improve transport logistics and processing of organic residues for use as alternative sources of energy and fuel.
Therefore, pretreatment by enzyme hydrolysis and gasification is an important step in processes for adding value to these organic residues destined for the production of energy, fuel or chemical products. Depending on the subsequent process, pretreatment can involve stages for characterization of the biomass, milling, drying, granulometric processes, agglomeration (pelletizing and briquetting) and toasting. Pretreatment techniques improve transport logistics and processing of organic residues for use as alternative sources of energy and fuel.
