Biofuel Basics Flashcard

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What is Pyrolysis?

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A thermal process that involves heating biomass rapidly at high temperatures in an oxygen-free environment to produce bio-oil, gas, and char.

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What is Hydrothermal Liquefaction?

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A preferred thermal process for converting wet feedstocks like algae into bio-crude oil using high pressure and temperature in the presence of water.

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What are the two most common types of biofuels?

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Ethanol and biodiesel.

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What is Synthesis Gas (Syngas)?

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A mixture of carbon monoxide and hydrogen produced during the gasification of biomass.

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What are 'Drop-in' Fuels?

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Hydrocarbon biofuels that are compatible with existing infrastructure and do not require new engines.

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What is Gasification?

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A process that converts organic or fossil-based carbonaceous materials into carbon monoxide, hydrogen, and carbon dioxide through high-temperature reactions.

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What is Fermentation in biofuel production?

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A biological process that converts sugars into ethanol and carbon dioxide using microorganisms.

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What is the role of Algae in biofuels?

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Algae can be used as a feedstock for biofuels due to their high oil content and ability to grow in various environments.

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What is Biodiesel?

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A renewable biofuel made from vegetable oils or animal fats through a process called transesterification.

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What is Ethanol?

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A type of alcohol produced from the fermentation of sugars, commonly used as a biofuel additive in gasoline.