Developing Dedicated Methods and Tools for Safe Use and Processing of Key Chemicals in Biorefining

Abstract

The emergence of biorefining, as the key concept of the future biobased economy is announced as the ultimate concept in many concerned industrial R&D roadmaps. Therefore, this paper proposes an insight of some safety related issues, as often underscored part of sustainability evaluation. From recent and still on-going research performed by the authors focusing on the appraisal of materials and process hazards in the context of biorefining, a brief review of recent achievements obtained by the authors in terms of the development of appropriate methods and tools aiming at promoting safety management in the related facilities are given. Both material and process driven safety issues are dealt with in the examples reported. Perspective on future related work in relation with the topic is brought in conclusion.