Ethanol Pilot plant - introduction

The Ethanol Pilot plant is a unique plant which has continued to receive a great deal of international attention since its opening in 2004. Here our researchers are able to verify and optimise on a large scale processes which have previously been developed in laboratories. The plant is designed to produce the necessary expertise for the expansion to commercial production. The development process includes everything from raw materials, chemical and biological processes, management and regulation technology to integration with other kinds of production.

The plant is located adjacent to SEKAB’s plant within the Domsjö industrial site. It has a capacity of 300-400 litres of ethanol per 24 hours. The current raw material used in the development process is wood chips from pine trees, but other raw materials such as bagasse from sugarcane, wheat and corn stover, energy grass and recycled waste are also of future interest for the project. The ability to produce high-grade ethanol from waste products is an important piece of the puzzle in efforts to overcome the enormous challenges in transitioning from an oil-driven transportation sector to a biofuel-driven one. 

Unique to the Ethanol Pilot in comparison with other pilot plants is that it is run continuously by shifts. Stoppages caused by such problems as deposits, clogging, and wear and tear, which occur during long-term operation, are a matter of critical importance for the financial viability of any future production plant, just as the integration into a bioenergy combine plays a crucial role. During the first two years of the plant’s operation, the focus has been on accessibility, operational safety and process monitoring. A large number of process refinements have been made, especially in regard to the hydrolysis reactors.