Auburn University Selects PureVision Technology for Biorefining Initiative

October 15, 2008

AUBURN UNIVERSITY -- Auburn University’s Natural Resources Management & Development Institute and PureVision Technology, Inc. have entered into a collaborative agreement in which PureVision is providing a continuous biomass fractionation process development unit to Auburn for use in research and technology commercialization initiatives.

The PureVision process development unit rapidly converts cellulosic biomass into sugars and lignin for making many biobased products including biofuels and industrial chemicals. It will be used by Auburn’s Center for Bioenergy and Bioproducts and will be located in newly renovated space in the existing Forest Products Laboratory on the Auburn University campus. It also will be available for interdisciplinary collaborative programs to advance biomass research programs.

“Our biorefining research and development programs are focused on deploying advanced biomass fractionation technologies in conjunction with biochemical and thermochemical conversion processes to take advantage of Alabama’s abundance of natural resources, particularly woody biomass, and convert them into energy and/or liquid fuels,” said Steve Taylor, Center for Bioenergy and Bioproducts director.

The PureVision process development unit provides Auburn with unique biomass fractionation capabilities for fundamental and applied research on biomass feedstocks that are readily available in Alabama and throughout the southeastern region for conversion to bioenergy and a variety of bioproducts. Funding for these efforts is being provided by Auburn University, the Alabama Department of Agriculture and Industries, the U.S. Department of Agriculture, and the U.S. Department of Energy.

The PureVision process development unit also will be utilized by the Alabama Center for Paper and Bioresource Engineering. “We are pleased to have the PureVision technology available for pursuing biomass fractionation and utilization programs,” said Harry Cullinan, center director.

In conjunction with Auburn’s Center for Bioenergy and Bioproducts, the Alabama Center for Paper and Bioresource Engineering has expanded beyond traditional pulping and papermaking processes to include advanced biorefining technologies for producing fuels and chemicals from woody biomass and other cellulosic feedstocks.

PureVision, based in Ft. Lupton, Colo., has been developing and scaling up its unique biomass conversion technology, known as biomass fractionation, since 1999. “Our company is honored that Auburn University has selected the PureVision technology as part of their bioenergy and biorefining initiatives.

This new collaboration between PureVision and Auburn University will advance research and development initiatives and expedite the commercialization of those technologies needed to convert abundant cellulosics into biobased fuels and chemicals,” said Ed Lehrburger, president and CEO of PureVision. “This marks our company’s first equipment sale and technology transfer—a huge milestone for all involved,” concluded Lehrburger

For more information contact: Ed Lehrburger, PureVision Technology, Inc. 303-857-4530 or , Steve Taylor, Auburn University Center for Bioenergy and Bioproducts (334) 844 3534, Harry Cullinan, Alabama Center for Paper and Bioresource Engineering (334) 844-2016.

Download PDF.