Bioresource Technology

Bioresource Technology is the umbrella term for the university's research in the fields of bioenergy, biotechnology, combustion engineering, chemical engineering and process technology. The research covers the entire chain, from biomass to processed products.

Our research

The research we do in Bioresource Technology is about using raw material in new, better and smarter ways. It is a matter of thinking sustainably, seeing things from a holistic perspective and using resources efficiently. Therefore, we have chosen Bioresource Technology as a collective term for our research, which we do in the areas of bioenergy, biotechnology, combustion engineering, chemical engineering and process technology.

The basis is so-called biomass, i.e. raw materials, residues and waste largely considered devoid of value, such as algae, food and tree debris. We then conduct research in various processes to upgrade, transform and refine this biomass, to ultimately be able to produce various types of finished products. These products can be fuel and electricity, but just as well chemicals and different materials.

What is biomass?

Biomass is a collective name for raw material in the form of organic residues and waste. It may originate from a variety of sources. From the forest industry you get bark, chip and so-called grot (branches and tree tops). In agriculture it may be straw and manure. There is also marine biomass, such as algae and seaweed. Finally, it may be what we simply call waste – that is, sludge, wood and left-overs. More and more municipalities are sorting out waste as a valuable resource.

Upgrading -> conversion -> refinement

In our research, we are active in various processes and production chains for upgrading, conversion and refinement of biomass. Upgrading is about heat treatment, separation and pelleting, depending on what the biomass is to be used for. The conversion then made can be microbial (fermentation, putrefaction), thermal (combustion, gasification) or chemical (esterification). Refining involves flue gas purification (dust, NOx), synthesis gas (reforming, WGS) and biogas (H2S, CO2).

What products may be the result?

Biomass can form the basis for a variety of products in different areas. The first thing you think of may be energy in terms of electricity, heat and fuel. But it can also be about chemicals, such as different hydrocarbons and ammonia, or about materials such as polymers and carbon fibers. Often the result of a process becomes a combination of different products.

Projects

Some projects (completed, ongoing and planned):

  • Cost-effective particle separation
  • CHRISGAS
  • Biofiltration of air
  • Textile wastewater
  • Biogas, new substrates from the sea
  • Hot flue gases
  • Energy from the forest
  • Seafarm
  • Gasification center
  • Particle emissions from pellet heating
  • Thermoplastics from forest raw materials
  • Electric filter concept for dust cleaning
  • The agricultural cycle

Staff