In addition to the levulinic acid platform, the Biofine process produces several valuable co-products.  These products bring market diversity to project development, and can be optimized and altered for maximum profit potential. 

 

   Formic acid is a well-known commodity chemical with existing large volume uses in the manufacture of rubber, plasticizers, pharmaceuticals and textiles.   In Europe, formic acid is a commong preservative for grass silage. The existing world market - in excess of 450,000 tons per year - does not include new and growing uses in non-corrosive road de-icing agents and as a NOx reducing catalyst in automobile exhaust systems.

 

   Furfural is used primarily in the manufacture of furan resins, lubricating oils and textiles for leisure wear, with an established world market in excess of 250,000 tons per year.  The furfural stream of the Biofine process can be maximized or eliminated as market prices dictate allowing another partial fuels market hedge for a Biofine facility.

 

   A carbon rich ligneous char - composed of over 60% carbon - is produced during the process.  Depending upon the feedstock and run conditions, the raw energy content ranges between 7,500-11,000 BTU/lb.  Sufficient energy is concentrated in the char to provide both the steam and electric power needs of the process with the potential to produce excess electric power for sale. This material is being tested as a potential soil conditioner, and has potential as a lignin source for use in the manufacture of carbon fiber.