Proven Science and Technology

Our technology continuously converts low-cost raw materials into multiple high-value revenue streams.

About 80% of the biomass grown on a farm is low value residue like nutshells, orchard trimmings, stover, stems, husks, pits and pumice. The rest is the intended crop. Now, imagine a technology that continuously converts low-cost biomass into multiple high-value revenue streams continuously—at 80% product yield. Under the right conditions these residues can be converted into low-cost organic bio-distillates and biocarbon solids for agricultural and green industrial applications.

Farmer raking shells
Corigin processing machinery
Liquid in a beaker
Corigin processing machinery

The principals of Corigin’s production platform are based on thermal decomposition (pyrolysis) of lignocellulose and vapor handling. Pyrolysis occurs naturally in wildfires. Our technology reproduces this same pyrolytic process in a controlled environment, more efficiently and on an industrial scale. Under high temperature and oxygen-free conditions, lignocellulose converts into vapors, gases and biochar. By limiting oxygen availability, we prevent the combustion of the vapors and instead condense them as bio-distillates comprised of hundreds of low molecular weight biomolecules, namely plant phenols and organic acids. We also collect a high quality biochar. In fact, nothing is wasted in our process: even the non-condensable gas has a use and generates all the heat required to run the pyrolysis.

Corigin’s technology partner is Pyrovac, Inc., led by Dr. Christian Roy, a foremost authority in pyrolysis and vapor handling. The Pyrovac platform is comprised of a state-of-the-art biomass reactor and proprietary vapor handling systems. Feedstock is continuously fed into the reactor and instantly heated to the target temperature by means of a molten eutectic salt heat carrier and continuously stirred with a unique mixing system. Chamber pressure is also maintained and carefully controlled. This combination of mechanical blending, precise temperature and pressure control eliminates thermal gradients, ensuring product consistency.

Pyrolytic vapors are whisked away by vacuum and condensed into refined aqueous and oily bio-distillates. Biochar is collected gravimetrically and the non-condensable biogas is used as an energy source to sustain the reaction. The process produces no waste or harmful emissions and is carbon negative.

Corigin has global exclusive rights to Pyrovac’s technology for biomass applications, and Pyrovac is Corigin’s exclusive technology provider.

80% Yield from Biocarbon Waste

For every ton (2000 lbs) of low value agriculture or forest feedstock, our platform produces approximately 1600 pounds of high value products, with the remainder sustainably powering ongoing production. Corigin’s process offers a way to recover more value per ton of plant waste than perhaps any other process in the world.