ECTS credits ECTS credits: 3
ECTS Hours Rules/Memories Student's work ECTS: 51 Hours of tutorials: 3 Expository Class: 9 Interactive Classroom: 12 Total: 75
Use languages Spanish, Galician
Type: Ordinary subject Master’s Degree RD 1393/2007 - 822/2021
Departments: Chemistry Engineering
Areas: Chemical Engineering
Center Higher Technical Engineering School
Call: Second Semester
Teaching: Sin docencia (Extinguida)
Enrolment: No Matriculable | 1st year (Yes)
The transformation of the biomass into high value-added products (i.e. their valorisation) is emerging as a strong tendency as result of the depletion of natural resources, the increase in emissions that cause the greenhouse effect and raising awareness about the need for sustainable development in terms of a safe reuse of waste and biomass. In this subject the aim is to provide an overview of the possible alternatives to achieve it and plan for a given biomass material the optimal way/s for its valorization.
The objectives to be achieved include:
*To understand the paths in the development of products and processes
*To understand biomass properties and composition, the manufacturing processes and the science and engineering of the materials derived
from renewable resources
*To acquire the aptitude to design and manage effective, economically profitable and environmentally acceptable technologies to produce fuels,
chemicals, products and energy from renewable materials.
The contents to be developed in the subject are those indicated in the descriptors of the subject in the curriculum of the Master in Chemical and Bioprocess Engineering:
• The challenge of sustainable development.
• Renewable resources: nature and availability.
• An integrated concept: the biorefinery.
• Biomass as a renewable source of energy.
• Bioadhesive for the wood industry.
• Development and implementation of bioadsorbentes.
• Obtaining of natural antioxidants.
The program is structured in seven units whose contents are described below:
UNIT 1. TECHNOLOGIES BASED ON RENEWABLE RESOURCES. BIOREFINERIES.
The challenge of sustainable development. Indicators of sustainability for products and processes. Renewable resources. Nature and availability. Biomass and their classification. An integrated concept. The biorefinery. Types of biorefineries.
UNIT 2. OBTAINING CHEMICALS FROM LIGNOCELLULOSIC MATERIALS.
Materials lignocellulosic raw. Origin and composition. Methods for conversion of lignocellulosic material. Pretreatments. Isolation of lignin and application areas. Isolation of hemicellulose and application areas. Isolation of the cellulose and application areas.
UNIT 3. BIOADHESIVES FOR THE WOOD INDUSTRY.
Current situation of the industry of adhesives for wood boards. Bioadhesive: historical perspective and needs of the wood industry. Tannin-based adhesives. The tannins. Classification. Formulations of tannin-based adhesives. Adhesives based on lignin. Pretreatments. Lignin adhesives formulations.
UNIT 4. MANUFACTURE OF WOOD BOARDS.
Classification of wood boards. Properties. Manufacture of plywood panels. Manufacture of particle board. Medium density fibreboard manufacturing.
UNIT 5. ENERGY FROM BIOMASS.
Current situation of the energy sector. Renewable energy: biomass as a renewable source of energy. Energy use of biomass processes. Classification: physical, microbiological, thermochemical and chemical processes. Production of briquettes and pellets. Production of biodiesel and bioethanol. Gasification. Pyrolysis. Combustion. Obtaining electricity from biomass.
UNIT 6. DEVELOPMENT AND APPLICATION OF BIOADSORBENTES FOR THE REMOVAL OF POLLUTANTS FROM WASTEWATER.
Current status and future prospects of adsorbents. Types of adsorbents-materials. The biosorbents. Treatments for chemical modification. Biomass as a precursor of activated carbons. Use of biosorbents for removing pollutants from water.Characterization of the biosorbents. Batch and continuous adsorption. Modelling of the adsorption process. Regeneration of the bioadsorbent.
UNIT 7. OBTAINING OF NATURAL ANTIOXIDANTS FROM BIOMASS .
Antioxidants. Classification of antioxidants. Sources of natural antioxidants. Flavonoids and related compounds. Isolation processes. Applications.
Basic bibliography
CLARK, J.H. and DESBARTE, F. (eds.), Introduction to Chemicals from Biomass. Chichester: Wiley, 2008. ISBN: 9780470058053 (Sig. IFE 164, IFE 166, 243 6, 243 6A, 243 6B)
KAMM, B., GRUBER, P.R. and KAMM, M. (eds.), Biorefineries-industrial processes and products: status quo and future directions. Weinheim: Wiley-VCH, 2010. ISBN: 9783527310272 (Sig. A132 10) (online access requested)
Papers published in various journals available through EZproxy.
Complementary bibliography
Books
BERGERON, C., CARRIER, D.J. and RAMASWAMY, S. (eds.), Biorefinery co-products : phytochemicals, primary metabolites abd value-added biomass processing. Chichester, West Sussex, Hoboken: John Wiley & Sons, 2012. ISBN: 9780470973578
PIZZI, A. (ed.), Wood adhesives: Chemistry and Technology. Vol 1. New York: Marcel Dekker, 1983. ISBN: 9780824715793
PIZZI, A. (ed.), Wood adhesives: Chemistry and Technology. Vol 2. New York: Marcel Dekker, 1989. ISBN: 9780824780524
PIZZI, A. and MITTAL, K.L. (eds.), Handbook of adhesive technology. New York: Marcel Dekker, 2003. ISBN 9781498736442
POKORNY, J., YANISHLEVA, N. and GORDON, M. (eds.), Antioxidants in food. Practical applications, Boca Ratón: CRC, 2001. ISBN: 9781855734630
ROWELL, R.M. (ed.), Handbook of wood chemistry and wood composites. Boca Raton, Florida: CRC Press, 2005. ISBN: 0849315883
SOETAERT, W. and VANDAMME, E. (eds.), Biofuels. Hoboken (New Jersey): Wiley, 2008. ISBN: 9780470026748
VOLESKY, B. Sorption and biosorption. Montreal-St.Lambert: BV Sorbex, 2003. ISBN: 9780973298307
YANG, R. T. Adsorbents: fundamentals and applications. New Jersey: Wiley-Interscience, 2003. ISBN: 9780471297413
Journals
Bioresource Technology, Industrial Crops and Products, Biomass and Bioenergy Journal of Agriculture and Food Chemistry, Food Chemistry, Journal of Food Engineering, Wood Science and Technology, Journal of Hazardous Materials, Water Research, Chemical Engineering Journal, Biotechnolgy Advances, Progress in Energy and Combustion Science, Journal of Chemical Technology and Biotechnology, etc.
General and basic competences: CB6, CB7, CB8, CB9, CB10, CG7 e CG10
Specific competences:
CE4, CE5, CE6
Cross competences:
CT1,CT6
Regardless of the scenario in which we find ourselves during the teaching of the subject, the Virtual Classroom of the USC will be used through the Moodle application with the following objectives:
• Provide information on the subject (teaching schedule, schedules, exams, various announcements, etc.)
• Provide the necessary materials for the classes (presentations of the topics, videos, scientific articles necessary to carry out the tasks set, etc.).
• Serve as a communication tool with students through the news forum.
• Create working groups.
• Propose all scheduled tasks including group work.
• Include access to the video conference sessions by Teams (for scenarios 2 and 3).
• Complete an evaluation questionnaire.
Scenario 1: adapted normality
• Teaching will be face-to-face (expository classes (14 h), interactive classes (12 h) and group tutoring (1 h).
• To expose the basic theoretical concepts, the master class will be used, supported by the use of presentations (skills CB6, CB10, CT6).
• In the interactive seminar classes, the detailed analysis of some processes will be considered, as well as the study of some topics of interest in work groups, based on recently published studies, videos, etc. that will take place part in the classroom and part in hours of personal work. A report / presentation will be prepared to be delivered through a task created in the Virtual Classroom and some of them will be presented orally in the classroom (3/4 tasks) (competencies CG7, CG10, CB8, CB9, CT1).
• A group work will be carried out focused on the design of biomass harvesting processes. It will be carried out throughout the entire semester in the hours of personal work contemplated for the subject. A report will be prepared and will be presented orally on the day set for the exam (competencies CB7, CB8, CB9, CB10, CE4, CE5, CE6, CG7, CG10, CT1, CT6). In the group tutoring session there will be a presentation of the basic aspects of the chosen processes (skills CB8, CB9).
• A visit to a company in the sector is contemplated. An evaluation activity related to it will be proposed. If it cannot be done, it will be replaced by what is proposed in scenario 3.
• Individualized tutorials will preferably be face-to-face, but you will be given the option to also do them through the MS Teams platform.
Scenario 2: distancing
• The expository and interactive classes will be non-presential and will be taught synchronously through the MS Teams platform according to the scheduled calendar.
• The reports of activities and group work will be delivered through tasks created in the subject's Virtual Classroom.
• The group work will be presented orally through MS Teams on the date set for the examination of the subject. Group tutoring for the presentation of the work will be done through MS Teams on the date set.
• A visit to a company in the sector is contemplated. An evaluation activity related to it will be proposed. If it cannot be done, it will be replaced by what is proposed in scenario 3.
• The tutorials will be exclusively virtual through MS Teams.
Scenario 3: closure of facilities
• Teaching will be completely non-presential. The expository classes will be taught synchronously through the MS Teams platform according to the scheduled schedule.
• The activities proposed for the seminars will be carried out asynchronously and will be exhibited through MS Teams at the scheduled times.
• The reports of activities and group work will be delivered through tasks created in the subject's Virtual Classroom.
• Group tutoring will be done through MS Teams on the date set.
• The group work will be presented orally through MS Teams on the date set for the examination of the subject.
• The visit to the company will be replaced by the viewing of videos or optionally a presentation of technical personnel from the sector through MS Teams, and a related evaluation activity will be proposed.
• The tutorials will be exclusively virtual through MS Teams.
There are no changes in the proposed activities or in the evaluation criteria depending on the scenario. The difference is exclusively in the face-to-face (scenario 1) or telematic (scenarios 2 and 3) of the oral presentations of the various activities proposed, the company visit and the final test.
The evaluation of the matter includes a part of continuous evaluation, which represents 60% of the grade, and an exam, which will consist of a test type test regardless of the scenario, which represents 40% of the overall grade of the matter. It will be done through the Virtual Classroom questionnaire module regardless of the setting. The distribution of the rating is as follows:
a) Exam, 40% (CB6, CB9, CG7, CG10)
b) Work / activities of continuous evaluation, 55%: Group work (30%), other activities (20%) and technical visit (5%) (CB7, CB8, CB9 and CB10; CG7 and CG10; CE4, CE5 and CE6; CT1 and CT6).
c) Tutorials / Teacher report, 5%: Presentation of the job proposal in group tutoring (CB8, CB9)
In order to pass the subject, all the activities proposed for continuous evaluation and the exam must have been completed, in which a minimum grade of 4 points out of 10 must be achieved. On the second occasion, the grades obtained in sections b) and c) are retained. .
The consideration of “not presented” will be taken if none of the activities under evaluation are carried out.
Scenario 1: adapted normality
Face to face oral presentations of activities and group work and final test.
Scenario 2: distancing
Synchronous telematic oral presentations of activities and group work and final test
Scenario 3: closure of facilities
Synchronous telematic oral presentations of activities and group work and final test
In cases of fraudulent performance of exercises or tests, the provisions of the Regulations for evaluating student academic performance and reviewing grades will apply.
The subject has a workload of 3 ECTS, corresponding 1 ECTS to 25 h of total work, distributed in the following way:
Activity-Presencial hours-Student work hours-ECTS
Lectures: 14,0-14,0-1,12
Seminars: 12,0-15,0-1,08
Group totorials: 1,0-4,0-0,20
Subtotal: 27,0-33,0-2,40
Individual Tutorials: 1,0-4,0-0,20
Exam and revision: 2,0-8,0-0,40
Total: 30,0-45,0-3,0
Some materials are provided in English.
The subject is taught in Spanish.
Recommendations for telematic teaching:
• It is necessary to have a computer with a microphone and a camera to carry out the telematic activities scheduled throughout the course, including evaluation in scenarios 2 and 3. The acquisition of equipment with the MS Windows environment is recommended, as other platforms some of the computer programs available at USC that are used in the subjects are not supported.
• Improve information and digital skills with the resources available at USC.
Students must wear a mask during their time at ETSE, as well as frequently wash their hands with soap and water or use a hydrogel following the instructions on the matter. When possible, you should maintain a safe distance from the rest of the students and teachers in the classroom and other spaces in the center. All the instructions of the health authorities and the USC itself must be scrupulously followed, for the protection of health against Covid-19.
CONTINGENCY PLAN
Teaching methodology
Regardless of the scenario in which we find ourselves during the teaching of the subject, the Virtual Classroom of the USC will be used through the Moodle application with the following objectives:
• Provide information on the subject (teaching schedule, schedules, exams, various announcements, etc.)
• Provide the necessary materials for the classes (presentations of the topics, videos, scientific articles necessary to carry out the tasks set, etc.).
• Serve as a communication tool with students through the news forum.
• Create working groups.
• Propose all scheduled tasks including group work.
• Include access to the video conference sessions by Teams (for scenarios 2 and 3).
• Complete an evaluation questionnaire.
Scenario 2: distancing
• The expository and interactive classes will be non-presential and will be taught synchronously through the MS Teams platform according to the scheduled calendar.
• The reports of activities and group work will be delivered through tasks created in the subject's Virtual Classroom.
• The group work will be presented orally through MS Teams on the date set for the examination of the subject. Group tutoring for the presentation of the work will be done through MS Teams on the date set.
• A visit to a company in the sector is contemplated. An evaluation activity related to it will be proposed. If it cannot be done, it will be replaced by what is proposed in scenario 3.
• The tutorials will be exclusively virtual through MS Teams.
Scenario 3: closure of facilities
• Teaching will be completely non-presential. The expository classes will be taught synchronously through the MS Teams platform according to the scheduled schedule.
• The activities proposed for the seminars will be carried out asynchronously and will be exhibited through MS Teams at the scheduled times.
• The reports of activities and group work will be delivered through tasks created in the subject's Virtual Classroom.
• Group tutoring will be done through MS Teams on the date set.
• The group work will be presented orally through MS Teams on the date set for the examination of the subject.
• The visit to the company will be replaced by the viewing of videos or optionally a presentation of technical personnel from the sector through MS Teams, and a related evaluation activity will be proposed.
• The tutorials will be exclusively virtual through MS Teams.
Assesment system
There are no changes in the proposed activities or in the evaluation criteria depending on the scenario. The difference is exclusively in the face-to-face (scenario 1) or telematic (scenarios 2 and 3) of the oral presentations of the various activities proposed, the company visit and the final test.
Scenario 2: distancing
Synchronous telematic oral presentations of activities and group work and final test
Scenario 3: closure of facilities
Synchronous telematic oral presentations of activities and group work and final test
Julia González Álvarez
Coordinador/a- Department
- Chemistry Engineering
- Area
- Chemical Engineering
- Phone
- 881816761
- julia.gonzalez [at] usc.es
- Category
- Professor: University Lecturer
| Monday | |||
|---|---|---|---|
| 09:00-10:00 | Grupo /CLE_01 | Spanish | Classroom A5 |
| Thursday | |||
| 12:00-14:00 | Grupo /CLE_01 | Spanish | Classroom A5 |
| 06.04.2021 10:00-14:00 | Grupo /CLIS_01 | Computer Room I2 |
| 06.04.2021 10:00-14:00 | Grupo /CLE_01 | Computer Room I2 |
| 07.12.2021 10:00-14:00 | Grupo /CLIS_01 | Classroom A8 |
| 07.12.2021 10:00-14:00 | Grupo /CLE_01 | Classroom A8 |