Developing Process Designs for Biorefineries—Definitions, Categories, and Unit Operations

Abstract

In this review, we focus on the literature that described the various unit operations in a process design flowsheet of biorefineries. We begin by establishing the accepted definitions of a biorefinery, go on to describe how to categorize biorefineries, and finally review the literature on biorefinery process designs by listing the unit operation in each process design. Distinguishing biorefineries based on feedstock, the types of processing units, and the products emanating from the biorefinery are discussed. Keyword: biomass; bio-products; process design; biorefinery; lignocellulose; proteins; waste; microalgae