Title:
Simplifying Biorefinery with Homogenized and Upgraded Biomass Feed by Means of Ingelia's HTC Process
Author(s):
Hitzl, M., Hernández, M., Borja, O.T., Renz, M.
Document(s):
Paper
Slide presentation
Abstract:
This industrial session at the EUBCE 2025 highlights the advancements and applications of Ingelia's industrial-scale Hydrothermal Carbonization (HTC) technology, a robust thermochemical process designed to transform diverse biomass feedstocks into high-value carbon products. The HTC process operates under mild conditions (200-220 ºC in water with autogenous pressure), effectively dissolving inorganic content and preventing the formation of harmful polyaromatic compounds. By significantly increasing the carbon content of biomass (from ~40% to over 60%) and achieving a lower heating value (LHV) of 20-24 MJ/kg, the resulting hydrochar meets ISO 17225-8 standards for solid biofuels. This paper explores Ingelia's focus on process and product development, emphasizing the technology's ability to handle heterogeneous biomass feedstock. Furthermore, it details the integration of HTC into biorefinery concepts, showcasing its potential to reduce pretreatment requirements, utilize high-humidity biomass, and facilitate subsequent upgrading processes. Several ongoing research projects are presented, illustrating the broad applicability of hydrochar in energy, metallurgical, and chemical sectors, as well as in the development of advanced materials like activated carbons, sustainable aviation fuels, peat substitutes, and biopolymers. Ingelia's ongoing research is centered on optimizing pyrolysis pathways for bio-oil extraction and developing high-value composite materials, actively seeking partnerships for scaling these innovations.
Keywords:
biorefinery, agroindustrial residues, CO2 capture, circular economy, biocoke, decarbonization
Topic:
Industry Track
Subtopic:
Innovative biorefineries: production of bioproducts & biochemicals
Event:
33rd European Biomass Conference and Exhibition
Session:
ICO.4.4
Pages:
1222 - 1224
ISBN:
978-88-89407-25-7
Paper DOI:
10.5071/33rdEUBCE2025-ICO.4.4
Price:
FREE
