"5E" Assessment

Research- Laboratory studies using bench-scale experiments are evaluated to validate key chemical and physical principles and process. Publications in peer-reviewed journals, reports and patents are used as resource materials for this evaluation.

Development - Unit processes from 0.5-5 ton/day pilot plants are evaluated. These unit processes include preparation and introduction of the biomass and detailed characterization of the products. Mass and energy data for each unit processes are used to determine mass and energy balances for the entire system. Air, water and solid waste effluents are measured to help estimate the potential environmental impacts for a commercial-scale plant.

Demonstration- The objective of the demonstration plant is to fully establish and develop specifications as necessary for process guarantees, financing, construction and deployment of a commercial full-scale plants. This fully integrated demonstration plant should be able to process more than 20-25 dry (ash-free) tons/day of biomass. Its design includes the incorporation of on-line chemical and physical sensors/instruments and control systems to run the plant continuously as a totally integrated system for more than 1,000 hrs. The hardware for recycle loops is included so that recycling process can be fully evaluated. The data obtained from this demonstration plant is used to develop a detailed design for the full-scale commercial plant. REII uses a "Design for Manufacturing" process to reduce costs and help insure component reliability.

Deployment- This final stage includes the engineering and design of a commercial scale plant within the expected capital costs. After the plant has been running for 329 days/year for at least 1 calendar year (preferably two calendar years), an assessment is made to determine if the operating and maintenance costs are within due diligence estimates. In addition, it is determined if the energy and/or fuel production yields are within anticipated design specifications.