Biorefinery: From Biomass to Building Blocks of Biobased Products from edX

The use of fossil resources is a controversial topic and there is much scientific research to argue against their use for energy, chemicals, and in the production of almost every product. Because of this, we're seeing a huge shift towards sustainable biobased and renewable resources and away from fossil-based ones. In this new world, it's critical to know how to efficiently and effectively obtain valuable elements from biomass.

Join the MOOC Biorefinery: From Biomass to Building Blocks of Biobased Products and gain the latest academic knowledge on biorefinery which can be applied to their ongoing studies or to advance their careers.

Just as the petrochemical refinery is a crucial part of the fossil-based industry,so is the biorefinery for the biobased industry. In a biorefinery, a complex biobased feedstock is separated and processed in such a way to maximize sustainability and application opportunities. Upon completing this course, you will understand the tools and techniques needed to efficiently disentangle, separate and convert different biomass based feedstocks into simpler (functional) components.

First, you'll learn about available techniques and processes for biomass activation, disentanglement and separation. Next, you'll explore how to design a biorefinery taking into account feedstock and sustainable energy use and dive into:

Mass and energy balances
Design of biorefinery process units to obtain multiple products from one type of biomass
How to recover energy and resources in the biorefinery system
Evaluation of the designed system with respect to sustainability and economic criteria
Evaluation of criteria for successful implementation

This course is part of the MicroMasters Program in Chemistry and Technology for Sustainability: a series of 3 courses and a final capstone project designed to help you develop the skills needed to seize opportunities and embrace the transition from a fossil-based economy to a biobased one.It'sespecially valuable to those who have (or ambition to have) a career in industries such as: (bio)chemical industry, agrifood water companies, energy producers, logistics, and related (non-)governmental organizations.

Explore the other courses in the MicroMasters Program:

Catalytic Conversions for Biobased Chemicals and Products
From Fossil Resources to Biomass: A Business and Economics Perspective
Capstone - Final project and exam (only available to learner who have obtained a verified certificate in all other courses of the MicroMasters Program).

What's inside

Learning objectives

Choose proper (chemical) pre-treatment and conversions to arrive at the required products
Conceptually design a biorefinery process
Critically evaluate a process design with respect to energy and feedstock efficiency

Compare that design with fossil-based processes
Know how to activate/disentangle and separate biobased feedstocks
After this course you will be able to:

Choose proper (chemical) pre-treatment and conversions to arrive at the required products
Conceptually design a biorefinery process
Critically evaluate a process design with respect to energy and feedstock efficiency
Compare that design with fossil-based processes
Know how to activate/disentangle and separate biobased feedstocks
After this course you will be able to:

Syllabus

Module 1: Introduction to BiorefineryIn this introduction module you will get acquainted with the general concepts of biorefineries. Use our diagnostic test to check if you need to get additional information before starting with the next module.

Module 2: Biomass and BiorefineriesLet's take a closer look at biomass, what components can be found in them and how to get these out as value-adding compounds. This module focuses on the refinery of naturally occurring compounds, such as oils and proteins.

Module 3: ConversionIn this module we zoom in on fermentation as a bioconversion method. Based on the case of the acetone-butanol-ethanol fermentation by Clostridium species, we will illustrate the use of fermentation in biorefineries.

Module 4: Downstream ProcessingThis module highlights several methods used to separate fermentation broth into different streams. You will learn how to effectively get your product out!

Module 5: Process Evaluation and ImprovementsLet's zoom out and look at the biorefinery process as whole. Find out how you can improve a process with respect to energy use, side-streams recovery, and economics.

Module 6: Case Study: Process DesignYou will learn to use the flow-sheeting software SuperPro Designer to design a bio-butanol process. You will look at the different steps needed to convert and separate the product. In addition you will look at a biorefinery process and propose relevant improvements using the knowledge acquired in the course.

Good to know

Know what's good

, what to watch for

, and possible dealbreakers

Develops skills and knowledge in biorefinery design and strategies for transitioning from fossil-based to biobased economy

Covers principles and strategies for biorefinery design and production of value-added products from biomass

Provides hands-on experience in biorefinery process design using SuperPro Designer software

Builds a solid understanding of biomass conversion methods and their applications in biorefinery

Suitable for entry-level learners interested in the field of biorefinery and sustainable energy production

Includes case studies to illustrate practical applications of biorefinery design

Activities

Be better prepared before your course. Deepen your understanding during and after it. Supplement your coursework and achieve mastery of the topics covered in Biorefinery: From Biomass to Building Blocks of Biobased Products with these activities:

Practice biomass activation and disentanglement

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Reinforce methods for preparing biomass for biorefinery processes.

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Solve practice problems on biomass activation methods
Complete simulations on biomass disentanglement techniques

Attend a workshop on biorefinery process simulation

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Gain hands-on experience in simulating and optimizing biorefinery processes.

Browse courses on Process Modeling

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Identify and register for a relevant workshop
Attend the workshop and actively participate in the exercises

Design a biorefinery unit for a specific biomass source

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Apply concepts of biorefinery design to a real-world scenario.

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Select a specific biomass source
Research and identify appropriate biorefinery unit operations
Create a process flow diagram for the biorefinery unit

One other activity

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Show all four activities

Develop a strategy for waste recovery in a biorefinery

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Design a solution to address waste management challenges in biorefinery systems.

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Identify potential waste streams and their characteristics
Research and explore waste recovery technologies
Create a waste recovery strategy and evaluate its feasibility

Career center

Learners who complete Biorefinery: From Biomass to Building Blocks of Biobased Products will develop knowledge and skills that may be useful to these careers:

Chemical Engineer

Chemical Engineers design, build, and operate plants and equipment that produce chemicals, fuels, pharmaceuticals, and other products. They use their knowledge of chemistry and engineering to develop new and efficient processes for converting raw materials into useful products. This course can help Chemical Engineers to understand the principles of biorefinery and how to design and operate biorefineries. It can also help them to develop new and innovative biobased products.

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Biochemical Engineer

Biochemical Engineers apply the principles of biochemistry and engineering to develop new and improved processes for producing chemicals, fuels, and other products from renewable resources. They use their knowledge of biochemistry and engineering to design and operate bioreactors and other equipment used to produce biobased products. This course can help Biochemical Engineers to understand the principles of biorefinery and how to design and operate biorefineries. It can also help them to develop new and innovative biobased products.

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Bioprocess Engineer

Bioprocess Engineers design, build, and operate bioreactors and other equipment used to produce biopharmaceuticals, biofuels, and other products. They use their knowledge of biology and engineering to develop new and efficient processes for converting biomass into useful products. This course can help Bioprocess Engineers to understand the principles of biorefinery and how to design and operate biorefineries. It can also help them to develop new and innovative biobased products.

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Environmental Engineer

Environmental Engineers design, build, and operate systems to protect the environment. They use their knowledge of engineering and environmental science to develop new and innovative solutions to environmental problems. This course can help Environmental Engineers to understand the principles of biorefinery and how to design and operate biorefineries. It can also help them to develop new and innovative biobased products that are more sustainable than traditional products.

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Sustainability Manager

Sustainability Managers develop and implement sustainability strategies for organizations. They use their knowledge of sustainability and business to identify and manage environmental, social, and economic risks and opportunities. This course can help Sustainability Managers to understand the principles of biorefinery and how to design and operate biorefineries. It can also help them to develop new and innovative biobased products that are more sustainable than traditional products.

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Product Developer

Product Developers create new products and improve existing products. They use their knowledge of marketing, engineering, and design to develop products that meet the needs of consumers. This course can help Product Developers to understand the principles of biorefinery and how to design and operate biorefineries. It can also help them to develop new and innovative biobased products that are more sustainable than traditional products.

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Research Scientist

Research Scientists conduct research to develop new knowledge and technologies. They use their knowledge of science and engineering to solve problems and create new innovations. This course can help Research Scientists to understand the principles of biorefinery and how to design and operate biorefineries. It can also help them to develop new and innovative biobased products.

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Entrepreneur

Entrepreneurs start and run their own businesses. They use their creativity and business acumen to develop new products and services. This course can help Entrepreneurs to understand the principles of biorefinery and how to design and operate biorefineries. It can also help them to develop new and innovative biobased products that are more sustainable than traditional products.

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Consultant

Consultants provide advice and guidance to organizations on a variety of topics. They use their knowledge and expertise to help organizations improve their performance. This course can help Consultants to understand the principles of biorefinery and how to design and operate biorefineries. It can also help them to develop new and innovative biobased products that are more sustainable than traditional products.

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Business Analyst

Business Analysts analyze business processes and systems to identify and solve problems. They use their knowledge of business and technology to develop new and innovative solutions. This course may help Business Analysts to understand the principles of biorefinery and how to design and operate biorefineries. It can also help them to develop new and innovative biobased products.

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Sales Manager

Sales Managers lead and motivate sales teams to achieve sales goals. They use their knowledge of sales and marketing to develop and implement sales strategies. This course may help Sales Managers to understand the principles of biorefinery and how to design and operate biorefineries. It can also help them to develop new and innovative biobased products.

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Financial Analyst

Financial Analysts analyze financial data to identify trends and patterns. They use their knowledge of finance and accounting to develop new and innovative solutions. This course may help Financial Analysts to understand the principles of biorefinery and how to design and operate biorefineries. It can also help them to develop new and innovative biobased products.

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Data Analyst

Data Analysts collect and analyze data to identify trends and patterns. They use their knowledge of data science and statistics to develop new and innovative solutions. This course may help Data Analysts to understand the principles of biorefinery and how to design and operate biorefineries. It can also help them to develop new and innovative biobased products.

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Marketing Manager

Marketing Managers develop and implement marketing strategies for organizations. They use their knowledge of marketing and advertising to create and promote products and services. This course may help Marketing Managers to understand the principles of biorefinery and how to design and operate biorefineries. It can also help them to develop new and innovative biobased products.

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Policy Analyst

Policy Analysts develop and analyze policies for governments and other organizations. They use their knowledge of public policy and economics to identify and solve problems. This course can help Policy Analysts to understand the principles of biorefinery and how to design and operate biorefineries. It can also help them to develop new and innovative biobased products that are more sustainable than traditional products.

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Reading list

We've selected seven books that we think will supplement your learning. Use these to develop background knowledge, enrich your coursework, and gain a deeper understanding of the topics covered in Biorefinery: From Biomass to Building Blocks of Biobased Products.

Biofuels

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Provides detailed information on biorefinery feedstocks, including characteristics, availability, and potential applications.

Biofuels: Alternative Feedstocks and Conversion...

Kindle Edition

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Biomass and Biowaste

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Provides a comprehensive overview of the principles, technologies, and applications of biomass refining.

Biomass and Biowaste: New Chemical Products from Old

Kindle Edition

$$$$

Introduction to Biofuels

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Provides an overview of the different biofuels and bioenergy production technologies, including feedstock selection, conversion processes, and environmental considerations.

Introduction to Biofuels (Mechanical and Aerospace...

Hardcover

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Introduction to Biofuels (Mechanical and Aerospace...

Kindle Edition

$$$

Biorefinery: A Sustainable Approach for the...

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Provides insights into the global development of biorefineries and case studies of successful implementations.

Biorefinery: A Sustainable Approach for the...

Kindle Edition

$$$$

Industrial Microbiology and Biotechnology

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Provides a comprehensive overview of the tools and techniques used in industrial biotechnology, including fermentation, bioprocess engineering, and downstream processing.

Industrial Microbiology and Biotechnology

Hardcover

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Industrial Microbiology and Biotechnology: An...

Kindle Edition

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Industrial Microbiology and Biotechnology: Emerging...

Kindle Edition

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