« Previous AbstractHostile intent in public crowded spaces: a field study    Next AbstractInhalation exposure to cleaning products: application of a two-zone model »

Environ Sci Technol

Title:		Improving the environmental profile of wood panels via co-production of ethanol and acetic acid
Author(s):		Earles JM; Halog A; Shaler S;
Address:		"Forest Bioproducts Research Institute, University of Maine, 5737 Jennes Hall, Orono, Maine, United States. mason.earles@umit.maine.edu"
Journal Title:		Environ Sci Technol
Year:		2011
Volume:		20111017
Issue:		22
Page Number:		9743 - 9749
DOI:		10.1021/es202180m
ISSN/ISBN:		1520-5851 (Electronic) 0013-936X (Linking)
Abstract:		"The oriented strand board (OSB) biorefinery is an emerging technology that could improve the building, transportation, and chemical sectors' environmental profiles. By adding a hot water extraction stage to conventional OSB panel manufacturing, hemicellulose polysaccharides can be extracted from wood strands and converted to renewably sourced ethanol and acetic acid. Replacing fossil-based gasoline and acetic acid has the potential to reduce greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions, among other possible impacts. At the same time, hemicellulose extraction could improve the environmental profile of OSB panels by reducing the level of volatile organic compounds (VOCs) emitted during manufacturing. In this study, the life cycle significance of such GHG, VOC, and other emission reductions was investigated. A process model was developed based on a mix of laboratory and industrial-level mass and energy flow data. Using these data a life cycle assessment (LCA) model was built. Sensitive process parameters were identified and used to develop a target production scenario for the OSB biorefinery. The findings suggest that the OSB biorefinery's deployment could substantially improve human and ecosystem health via reduction of select VOCs compared to conventionally produced OSB, gasoline, and acetic acid. Technological advancements are needed, however, to achieve desirable GHG reductions"
Keywords:		Acetic Acid/*chemistry Chemical Industry Ethanol/*chemistry Greenhouse Effect Hot Temperature Polysaccharides/chemistry/*isolation & purification Volatile Organic Compounds/*chemistry Water/chemistry Wood/*chemistry;
Notes:		"MedlineEarles, J Mason Halog, Anthony Shaler, Stephen eng 2011/10/05 Environ Sci Technol. 2011 Nov 15; 45(22):9743-9. doi: 10.1021/es202180m. Epub 2011 Oct 17"