D3MAX LLC (Grand Forks, N. Dak.; www.D3MAXLLC.com) has announced the completion and shipment of its pilot plant employing the patented D3MAX cellulosic ethanol technology. The pilot facility will be installed at ACE Ethanol, LLC, in Stanley, Wisconsin, in late February. Installation is expected to be complete by mid-March with startup and testing at the facility taking place over the ensuing two months.
“We are very excited to take this next step in developing the D3MAX technology,” says Mark Yancey, chief technology officer for D3MAX. “ACE (Ethanol LLC) has been an excellent partner in the lead up to the installation and running of the pilot facility.”
“We see this type of bolt-on technology as a clear path forward for cellulosic ethanol,” says Neal Kemmet, president and general manager at ACE Ethanol, LLC. “Of course, much will be determined during the next phase of pilot testing. However, if successful, we feel the D3MAX process will be key in allowing current producers to lead the way for the next generation of ethanol production.”
Operation of the skid-mounted unit, constructed by Ohio-based AdvanceBio Systems, will help narrow the operating parameter such as pretreatment time, temperature, pH, etc. Upon successful completion of pilot testing and data collection, D3MAX intends to complete the full detailed commercial design and license the technology across the United States and Canada.