Bert Sels

Title: Bert Sels: Innovator in Biomass Processing

Introduction

Bert Sels is a notable inventor based in Westerlo, Belgium. He has made significant contributions to the field of biomass processing, holding 3 patents that focus on innovative methods for the fractionation and depolymerization of lignocellulosic materials.

Latest Patents

One of his latest patents involves the fractionation and depolymerization of lignocellulosic material. In this process, biomass is processed in a close to equivolumetric mixture of an alcohol and water at elevated temperatures, in the presence of a metal catalyst and hydrogen. This one-pot fractionation process disentangles the polymeric biomass and depolymerizes lignin and hemicellulose. The catalyst and reductive environment are essential for accumulating and targeting stable products at high yields, such as phenolics and polyols. This method is particularly relevant for industrial applications as it overcomes complex separation protocols found in traditional biorefinery technology. The process allows for simple product recovery in one step, yielding three fractions: solid carbohydrate pulp (mainly cellulose), and phase separation of n-butanol and water below 125° C. The resulting product streams provide a versatile platform for downstream conversion into added-value bio-based chemicals.

Another significant patent by Bert Sels is a two-step one-pot process for reacting glycolaldehyde with an aminating agent in the presence of a reactive organic fluid. The first step involves contacting glycolaldehyde with an aminating agent under an inert atmosphere to produce unsaturated intermediates. The second step reacts the mixture obtained in the first step with hydrogen in the presence of a supported hydrogenation catalyst.

Career Highlights

Bert Sels has worked with several prominent companies, including Taminco Bvba and TotalEnergies Onetech. His experience in these organizations has contributed to his expertise in biomass processing and chemical reactions.

Collaborations

Bert has collaborated with notable coworkers such as Tom Renders and Elias Cooreman, further enhancing his innovative work in the field.

Conclusion

Bert Sels is a distinguished inventor whose work in biomass processing has led to significant advancements in the field. His innovative patents demonstrate a commitment to developing efficient and effective methods for utilizing lignocellulosic materials.