• Solve problems involving thermochemical conversion using biomass as a raw material for energy and chemical product production.
• Apply problem-solving stages to address these issues.

Thermochemical conversion of biomass is based on decomposition at high temperatures (and sometimes high pressures), and subsequent chemical conversion can be carried out in the presence of catalyst materials. Conventional (traditional) processes are combustion, gasification and carbonization. The associated products are heat, combustible gases and charcoal. This course is intended to explain the principles of both traditional and novel thermochemical conversion processes and discuss the various routes related to the desired products. Biomass sources and their characteristics are considered with special attention to environmental impacts and sustainability aspects. Although biological conversion process routes are not discussed in this course, the relationship between biological and chemical process routes will be clarified. In the concept of modern biorefinery, both processes are often found. Learning activities will be carried out through various methods, consisting of: interactive lectures, question based learning, discussions, and structure assignments. Assessment will be carried out continuously through a series of exercises/quizzes, group discussions, midterm exams and final exams. The language used in teaching and learning activities is Indonesian

1. Robert C. Brown, Thermochemical Processing of Biomass: Conversion into Fuels, Chemicals and Power, 2nd ed., Wiley Series in Renewable Resources, 2019.
2. Mark Crocker, Laurie Peter, Ferdi Schüth, Tim Z. Zhao, & Heinz Frei, Thermochemical Conversion of Biomass to Liquid Fuels and Chemicals, 1st ed., RSC Publishing, 2010.

• Biomass Sources, Composition, Types, and Characteristics Relevant to Thermochemical Conversion

  • Overview of biomass as a renewable energy source
  • Composition of biomass: cellulose, hemicellulose, lignin, and extractives
  • Types of biomass: agricultural residues, forestry waste, energy crops, and municipal solid waste
  • Key characteristics of biomass influencing thermochemical conversion

• Traditional Conversion Processes and Their Production Routes

  • Combustion:
    • Principles of biomass combustion for heat and electricity generation
    • Co-combustion of biomass with fossil fuels (co-firing)
  • Carbonization (Slow Pyrolysis):
    • Production of charcoal and biochar
    • Applications and benefits of biochar in agriculture and carbon sequestration

• Gasification, Reactor Systems, and Syngas Utilization

  • Fundamentals of gasification: converting biomass into syngas (CO, H₂)
  • Types of gasification reactor systems: fixed bed, fluidized bed, and entrained flow
  • Applications of syngas: power generation, synthetic fuels, and chemical production

• Fast Pyrolysis, Reactor Systems, and Valorization of Pyrolysis Oil

  • Overview of fast pyrolysis: rapid thermal decomposition of biomass
  • Reactor systems for fast pyrolysis: fluidized bed, ablative, and auger reactors
  • Valorization of pyrolysis oil: upgrading to biofuels and chemicals

• Integration of Thermochemical Conversion Processes in Biorefineries

  • Combining thermochemical processes with other biorefinery technologies
  • Enhancing resource efficiency and product diversification in biorefineries
  • Case studies of thermochemical conversion systems integrated into biorefineries

• Real-Life Case Studies of Thermochemical Conversion Systems Operating on Biomass and Biomass-Derived Wastes

  • Examples of industrial-scale thermochemical systems
  • Challenges and successes in implementing biomass-based thermochemical technologies

• Hydrothermal Processes

  • Overview of hydrothermal conversion technologies: liquefaction, carbonization, and gasification
  • Role of hot, compressed water in hydrothermal processes
  • Key parameters influencing hydrothermal conversion efficiency

• Subcritical and Supercritical Properties of Water

  • Properties of water in subcritical and supercritical states
  • Applications of sub- and supercritical water in biomass processing
  • Advantages of supercritical water for waste treatment and biofuel production