Anellotech extends catalyst life for biomass-to-chemicals process
Clean technology manufacturer Anellotech has developed MinFree, a patented technology that reduces the ash content of biomass feedstocks to extend the lifetime of catalysts involved in its Bio-TCat process, through which biomass is converted into valuable aromatic chemicals and renewable fuels.The technology increases opportunities for commercialising the process by enabling the use of low-cost biomass feedstocks with high levels of catalyst poisons, said Chuck Sorenson, CTO of Anellotech.

Anellotech has developed proprietary technology to extend catalyst lifetime in its Bio-TCat™ process for low cost conversion of biomass into valuable aromatic chemicals and renewable fuels. The new MinFree™ technology reduces mineral (ash) content of biomass feedstocks, thereby enabling economic catalyst lifetimes. “This is a breakthrough innovation for the industry and vital to technological success,” said Chuck Sorensen, Anellotech CTO. “It opens up the possibility to use many types of low-cost biomass feedstocks that contain high levels of well known catalyst poisons. MinFree technology represents a major step forward, enabling the cost competitiveness of Anellotech’s biomass conversion process.”

“MinFree is an important development needed to advance our Bio-TCat process toward commercialisation as it contributes to our ability to achieve attractive returns even in a low oil price environment, whether licensees opt for using Bio-TCat products as renewable fuels or chemicals,” stated David Sudolsky, Anellotech President and CEO. “The recent demonstration of MinFree at ton scale was a significant accomplishment.”

Anellotech has partnered with leading technology providers IFPEN/Axens for process development and Johnson Matthey for catalyst technology. “We’re fortunate to have our R&D team working side by side with industry recognised experts who have long-term commitments to this programme,” said Sudolsky. “Together with partners Suntory and Toyota Tsusho, our Alliance is dedicated to developing an efficient, economic, and commercially viable end to end process, of which biomass handling and pre-treatment are critical components.”