Modelling Ontologies for Biorefinery Processes - A Case Study

Abstract This study introduces the systematic modelling approach of “visual modelling” to biorefinery processes by applying it to a concept from the demonstration project KomBiChemPRO. The process consists of a hydrothermal conversion of hemicellulose-derived oligo sugars into monomeric C5 sugars, combined with purification steps of adsorption and nanofiltration. The experimental studies determine on model effluents hydrothermal conversion kinetics, adsorption isotherms and kinetics, as well as separation efficiencies of the nanofiltration. The paper shows an efficient graphical representation of the process topology, which is combined with an equation ontology.