The timber, agriculture, and other industries generate millions of tons of renewable biomass resources. Depending upon the source of the biomass a majority of it goes into stockpiles later going to burn piles, mulch, landfarm, and landfills, and other low or no value uses. These traditional avenues of disposal for biomass materials actually release considerable carbon dioxide (CO2) into the atmosphere as they either decompose or burn. The carbon dioxide is consumed by living plants, resulting in a carbon neutral cycle. Fossil fuels on the other hand produce long lasting cycle CO2 which can contribute to global climate changes.
In order to take advantage of these biomass feedstocks, and reduce their carbon footprint, R3 Sciences has developed a unique modular system capable of converting synthesis gas produced from biomass into a valuable liquid fuel co-product. Processing biomass through solid gasification, The R3 GTL : Methanol process converts the biomass-generated synthesis gas into methanol. The modular system is designed to allow placement at remote locations to meet supply availability of biomass feedstock.
Methane releases from animal husbandry operations present a unique opportunity for farmers to convert the bio-methane into both electrical power and methanol fuel. In 2003 it was reported that over 545 million CO2 equivalent tons of methane emissions were released from anthropogenic (created by man) activities. Of this reported total over 7% of the methane emissions in the U.S. are a result of manure management in animal husbandry operations (dairy and swine being the greatest contributors). The R3 GTL : Methanol system operates at low pressure and low temperature making it potentially a good choice in this application.
R3 Sciences is proving that It is possible today to produce renewable fuels through its innovative catalytic thermochemical process producing methanol through the use of selective catalytic reactions.