Exploration of Process Design Routes for Biomass-Derived Methanol Production: Gasification and Anaerobic Digestion

Bio-methanol production from renewable biomass feedstocks is a promising alternative energy source to fossil fuels, but significant challenges remain in designing new scale-up engineering technologies to meet global demand. This study evaluates two process design pathways for biomass-derived methanol production: high temperature gasification and anaerobic digestion. Mass, energy, and work balance analyses were used to develop Process Flow Diagrams (PFDs) and establish plausible operating conditions. Mass balance limitations and high energy requirements were also identified, highlighting some key challenges in scaling up methanol production.