Microwave treatment

Technology
Technology details
Name:	Microwave pre-treatment
Category:
Feedstock:	Biowaste
Product:

The Microwave pre-treatment includes technologies that utilise electromagnetic radiation to induce thermal and non-thermal effects that drive physical, chemical or biological reactions. The technology is usually utilised in food drying or to break down the structure of lignocellulosic biomass leading to the release of different substances (e.g. fermentable sugar).

Feedstock

Origin and composition

Lignocellulosic biomass

Pre-treatment

• Sizing
  • Chipping
  • Grinding

Process and technologies

Compared to other thermal treatments, the technology brings several advantages, such as reduced plant footprint, higher throughput, higher reaction rates, higher yield and purity, which has recently led to greater interest. The process can also be combined with chemical treatments utilising chemicals such as alkaline (to remove lignin) and acid (to remove hemicellulose) solutions, ammonia, and metal salts.

Product

• Fermentable sugar (e.g. for bio-alcohol production)