LEARNING OUTCOMES
After the course, the students can
- describe in detail the most important pretreatment processes for the successful fractionation of lignocellulose biomass.
- illustrate the transport phenomena underlying the pre-treatment processes.
- discuss the chemistry and technology of existing and novel fractionation processes and, based on this knowledge, can formulate the principles of a forest biorefinery.
- analyse and explain the phenomena taking place during different biomass refining process steps based on the knowledge of the chemical reactions and the principles of reaction kinetics.
- explain the basics of the chemistry of novel solvents for lignocellulose and is able to describe the interactions of solvents with biomass components.
- describe the prerequisites for the sustainability of the biomass refining processes, based on which can critically assess possibilities for improvements.
Credits: 5
Schedule: 09.01.2024 - 07.03.2024
Teacher in charge (valid for whole curriculum period):
Teacher in charge (applies in this implementation): Tiina Nypelö
Contact information for the course (applies in this implementation):
CEFR level (valid for whole curriculum period):
Language of instruction and studies (applies in this implementation):
Teaching language: English. Languages of study attainment: English
CONTENT, ASSESSMENT AND WORKLOAD
Content
valid for whole curriculum period:
At the beginning of the course the physical-chemical phenomena of lignocellulose impregnation, typically wood, are presented and later deepened in exercises.
Subsequently, the most important technical pre-treatment methods will be presented before the main part of the lecture will be continued with the chemistry and technology of the most important fractionation methods. The main emphasis will be on kraft pulping, but also other fractionation methods are covered to some extent (e.g. acid sulfite and the most relevant organosolv fractionation methods).
An integral part of this course are exercises, covering selected examples (e.g. heat transfer, reaction kinetics, the diffusion of ionic species in lignocellulose matrix). An important concern is to discuss the sustainability of new processes in comparison to the conventional ones and to identify differences and potential for improvement.
Assessment Methods and Criteria
valid for whole curriculum period:
As a default, examination together with assessment of the assignments are used as the evaluation criteria. Details will be discussed with the students in class, after which final decisions are made.
Workload
valid for whole curriculum period:
135 h in total
lectures, assignments in class, home assignments and other independent studying
DETAILS
Substitutes for Courses
valid for whole curriculum period:
Prerequisites
valid for whole curriculum period:
SDG: Sustainable Development Goals
9 Industry, Innovation and Infrastructure
FURTHER INFORMATION
Further Information
valid for whole curriculum period:
Teaching Language : English
Teaching Period : 2022-2023 Spring III - IV
2023-2024 Spring III - IVA course implementation may be cancelled if the number of students enrolled to the course implementation does not meet the required minimum of five students. In the case of cancelled course implementations, the students enrolled to them must be provided with an alternative way of completing the course or be advised to take some other applicable course.