BioVeritas, LLC, has announced the introduction of The BioVeritas Process™ for sustainable aviation fuel (SAF). This cutting-edge technology converts biomass into volatile fatty acids (VFAs) through fermentation, which serve as essential precursors for various high-value products, particularly SAF. The company, previously known as Terrabon, began its journey into sustainable fuels over fifteen years ago, well ahead of the mainstream adoption of the term “SAF.”
Since then, BioVeritas has made significant advancements in its technology, particularly in fermentation product distribution and acid recovery at its market demonstration unit located in Bryan, Texas. The BioVeritas Process, when applied to SAF, allows for a wider range of feedstocks and utilizes less energy, producing sustainable aviation fuel with superior carbon intensity. These enhancements help the platform navigate some of the critical challenges facing the SAF industry, positioning BioVeritas for significant growth potential.
The BioVeritas Process for SAF consists of three main steps: Directed Mixed-Culture Fermentation to produce VFAs, Low-Energy Acid Recovery, and the conversion of VFAs into SAF. The first step transforms various abundant feedstocks—ranging from purpose-grown crops to agricultural residues and waste streams—into a controlled mixture of VFAs, managed through the microbial physiology and ecology of the mixed culture.
The second step, Low-Energy Acid Recovery, employs BioVeritas’ proprietary extraction process along with efficient water recycling. This combination reduces the need for distillation and evaporation, which typically increases energy consumption in other processes.
Finally, the VFA-SAF conversion process transforms the longer-chain VFAs into SAF through ketonization, followed by hydrodeoxygenation and isomerization—techniques commonly used in the established HEFA/HVO process.
The BioVeritas Process addresses many fundamental limitations of existing SAF production technologies, including restricted feedstock availability and green energy constraints. This innovative and flexible approach positions BioVeritas for considerable future growth to support the ambitious volume goals outlined in the SAF Grand Challenge.
“BioVeritas is committed to assisting the aviation industry in reaching its net zero carbon emission targets, while also helping the refining sector fulfill its renewable volume obligations,” said David Austgen, CEO of BioVeritas.
