Replies to Post #178675 onTraders of the Caribbean

Replies to #178675 on Traders of the Caribbean

12/28/09 9:05 AM

Raven Biofuels International Corporation (PINKSHEETS: RVBF) ("Raven" or the "Company") is pleased to announce that Jacqueline Broder has joined Raven's Technical Advisory Board.
Jacqueline holds an M.S., Agriculture in Agricultural Engineering from Purdue University. She has 25 years of experience specific to biomass conversion and acid hydrolysis during her tenure as a project engineer with the Tennessee Valley Authority (TVA). As a Project Engineer, she was involved in the research and development and economic evaluation of biomass conversion technology. Her experience has included design and management of research, bench-scale, and pilot-scale testing; evaluation and correlation of data resulting from various testing programs; design, equipment specification, start-up, and operation of pilot plant; assessment of feedstocks for availability and composition; and modeling of processes and using models to evaluate economic feasibility of generic and specific process systems. Her work has involved management of numerous contracts, directing the work of TVA employees and outside University and private consultants, interacting with the public, preparing and presenting technical reports and papers, preparing quarterly technical reports, and proposal writing. Jacqueline has served on several USDA and DOE proposal review panels and stage-gate reviews.

John Sams, President of Raven, commented, "Having access to Jacqueline's knowledge and experience with converting biomass to ethanol ('cellulosic ethanol') is an incredibly valuable asset. We look forward to a long and productive relationship with our advisors and are grateful for their involvement."

The Energy Independence and Security Act, signed in December 2007, calls for 36 billion gallons of renewable fuels by 2022, of which 11 billion gallons must come from cellulosic, non-food ethanol. The American Clean Energy and Security Act of 2009 calls for $90 billion to be invested into clean energy technologies by 2025.

The production of cellulosic ethanol could play a major role in the Unites States energy independence as it has in Brazil. Transportation fuels made from waste and biomass represent a viable clean fuel option that can play a part in reducing green house gas (GHG) emissions that cause global warming while keeping American's money in America. Energy security is a key factor to National security and strong economy.

GuruTrader

12/28/09 11:45 AM

#178806 RE: Traderzz #178675

Cellulosic Ethanol

While many companies have attempted to produce ethanol from cellulosic (non-corn) waste feedstocks during the past 10 years, Raven has a proven technology that can successfully produce fuel-grade ethanol in commercial quantities. The process is known as “two-stage dilute acid hydrolysis.” Raven’s proprietary process works by breaking down biomass (agricultural waste products such as wood chips, corn stover and sugarcane bagasse) into three primary streams that are then converted into a suite of derivative chemicals, ethanol, and energy producing lignin. The chart below illustrates this process:

How it Works

STAGE ONE: After cellulosic feedstock is ground into a fine stream mass, it passes into a first stage acid hydrolysis process where it is treated with a weak sulfuric acid solution to separate residual xylose (C5 sugars). Since xylose does not easily ferment into ethanol, Raven’s patented process converts the xylose into a derivative chemical product (furfural) which can be sold into the petrochemical and biotechnology industries at significantly higher prices than ethanol.

STAGE TWO: The remaining feedstock is again treated with a sulfuric acid solution. The second stage acid separates glucose (C6 sugars) from the basic feedstock stream. The glucose is then subjected to a standard fermentation process which ultimately produces ethanol.

The final step in the process involves the utilization of lignin. Lignin is considered the “backbone” of all cellulosic waste material and represents only 15% by weight of the original feedstock, but contains about 80% of the heat energy content. Raven’s process takes advantage of this energy source by using high efficiency boilers to generate energy for the plant saving significant energy costs.