1
|
Kourkoumpas DS, Βon A, Sagani A, Atsonios K, Grammelis P, Karellas S, Kakaras E. Life cycle assessment of novel thermochemical - biochemical biomass-to-liquid pathways for sustainable aviation and maritime fuel production. BIORESOURCE TECHNOLOGY 2024; 393:130115. [PMID: 38013031 DOI: 10.1016/j.biortech.2023.130115] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/11/2023] [Revised: 11/24/2023] [Accepted: 11/24/2023] [Indexed: 11/29/2023]
Abstract
This paper aims to carry out an integrated Life Cycle Assessment (LCA) to evaluate the environmental performance of a novel thermochemical-biochemical biomass-to-liquid pathway for sustainable aviation and maritime biofuel production. Five scenarios are defined, consideringdifferent types of biomass feedstock and biorefinery locations, in different geographically dispersed European countries. The results indicate that the replacement of conventional aviation and maritime fuels with sustainable biofuels could reduce Greenhouse Gases (GHG) by 60-86%, based on feedstock type. When the renewable share in the electricity mix reaches 100% (in 2050), the GHG emissions will experience a great decrease (26% - 68%), compared to 2022 levels. The non-renewable energy consumption will also decrease (by 56% - 83%), with results strongly affected by the electricity mix of the European country considered. This study demonstrates that the deployment of biomass-to-jet/marine fuel pathways could favor the industrial adoption of circular economy strategies for transport biofuels production.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Dimitrios-Sotirios Kourkoumpas
- Centre for Research & Technology Hellas/Chemical Process and Energy Resources Institute (CERTH/CPERI), 52 Egialias Str., 15125 Maroussi, Athens, Greece; National Technical University of Athens/Laboratory of Steam Boilers and Thermal Plants (NTUA/LSBTP), 9 Heroon Polytechneiou str., 15780 Zografou, Athens, Greece.
| | - Adamantia Βon
- Centre for Research & Technology Hellas/Chemical Process and Energy Resources Institute (CERTH/CPERI), 52 Egialias Str., 15125 Maroussi, Athens, Greece
| | - Angeliki Sagani
- Centre for Research & Technology Hellas/Chemical Process and Energy Resources Institute (CERTH/CPERI), 52 Egialias Str., 15125 Maroussi, Athens, Greece; Department of Industrial Management & Technology, University of Piraeus, 80 Karaoli & Dimitriou St., 18534 Piraeus, Greece
| | - Konstantinos Atsonios
- Centre for Research & Technology Hellas/Chemical Process and Energy Resources Institute (CERTH/CPERI), 52 Egialias Str., 15125 Maroussi, Athens, Greece
| | - Panagiotis Grammelis
- Centre for Research & Technology Hellas/Chemical Process and Energy Resources Institute (CERTH/CPERI), 52 Egialias Str., 15125 Maroussi, Athens, Greece
| | - Sotirios Karellas
- National Technical University of Athens/Laboratory of Steam Boilers and Thermal Plants (NTUA/LSBTP), 9 Heroon Polytechneiou str., 15780 Zografou, Athens, Greece
| | - Emmanouel Kakaras
- Centre for Research & Technology Hellas/Chemical Process and Energy Resources Institute (CERTH/CPERI), 52 Egialias Str., 15125 Maroussi, Athens, Greece; National Technical University of Athens/Laboratory of Steam Boilers and Thermal Plants (NTUA/LSBTP), 9 Heroon Polytechneiou str., 15780 Zografou, Athens, Greece
| |
Collapse
|
2
|
Properties of Selected Alternative Petroleum Fractions and Sustainable Aviation Fuels. Processes (Basel) 2023. [DOI: 10.3390/pr11030935] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 03/22/2023] Open
Abstract
With regard to speed, comfort, and a dense network of destinations, the popularity of air transport is on the rise. For this reason, jet fuel is a commodity with rapidly growing consumption and interesting refinery margins. At the same time, however, it is becoming a focus of attention in terms of reducing negative environmental impacts. As a response to these trends, it will be necessary to coprocess alternative petroleum fractions with sustainable aviation components in oil refineries. Six alternative jet fuel samples of different origin were used to investigate their jet fuel-specific properties, that is, aromatics (from 0 to 59.7 vol%), smoke point (from 12.2 to >50 mm), freezing point (from −49 to <−80 °C) and net specific energy (41.2–43.7 MJ·kg−1), and these properties were compared to standard hydrotreated straight-run Jet A-1 kerosene. The properties of the components studied differed significantly with respect to each other and to the requirements of Jet A-1. Nevertheless, the properties could be well correlated. This provides an opportunity to study possible synergies in blending these components. It was also found that the current methods and instruments used do not always allow a precise determination of the smoke point (>50 mm) and freezing point (<80 °C).
Collapse
|
3
|
Akdeniz HY, Balli O, Caliskan H. Energy, exergy, thermoecologic, environmental, enviroeconomic and sustainability analyses and assessments of the aircraft engine fueled with biofuel and jet fuel. JOURNAL OF THERMAL ANALYSIS AND CALORIMETRY 2023; 148:3585-3603. [PMID: 36819792 PMCID: PMC9930054 DOI: 10.1007/s10973-023-11982-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/04/2022] [Accepted: 01/20/2023] [Indexed: 06/18/2023]
Abstract
In this study, utilization of a bio-based fuel in a turbojet engine is comprehensively monitored with adapting various useful indicators for the scope of the study based on thermodynamic principles. In this regard, extensive energy and exergy, thermoecologic, environmental, enviroeconomic and sustainability analyses are performed for both the turbojet engines fueled by jet kerosene and fueled by a bio-based fuel. As per the main findings, the mass stream of combustion emissions is measured to be 4.547 kg s-1, when the engine is powered by biofuel. The specific fuel consumption and specific thrust are determined as 0.13 kg kN-1 s-1 and 147.81 kNs kg-1 for jet kerosene-powered case, while they are calculated as 0.15 kg kN-1 s-1 and 148.23 kNs kg-1 for biofuel-powered case. If biofuel is selected over jet-kerosene fuel, it is observed that the engine has better energy efficiency performance by 18.18%. The engine's environmental effect factor value is found as 4.88 for jet-kerosene usage condition, while it is found to be 4.93 for biofuel utilization case. The overall emitted CO2 emissions is measured as 336,672 kg-CO2 year-1 for jet-kerosene usage condition, while it is estimated as 222,012 kg-CO2 year-1 for the biofuel utilization case. Also, as far as biofuel is chosen as alternative to jet-kerosene, the environmental damage cost stream, namely the enviroeconomic parameter of the engine, falls from 59,254.27 US$ year-1 to 39,074.11 US$ year-1. It is observed that sustainable efficiency factor and exergetic sustainability index outputs of the components of air compressor are the same for jet-kerosene and biofuel utilization cases, which are 8.31 and 7.31, respectively.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
| | - Ozgur Balli
- Aeronautical Engineer at 1’st Air Maintenance Factory Directorate (1.HBFM), General Directorate of Military Factories (AFGM), Ministry of National Defence (MND), Eskisehir, Turkey
| | - Hakan Caliskan
- Department of Mechanical Engineering, Faculty of Engineering, Usak University, 64200 Usak, Turkey
| |
Collapse
|
4
|
Seufitelli GVS, El-Husseini H, Pascoli DU, Bura R, Gustafson R. Techno-economic analysis of an integrated biorefinery to convert poplar into jet fuel, xylitol, and formic acid. BIOTECHNOLOGY FOR BIOFUELS AND BIOPRODUCTS 2022; 15:143. [PMID: 36539896 PMCID: PMC9768886 DOI: 10.1186/s13068-022-02246-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/04/2022] [Accepted: 12/10/2022] [Indexed: 12/24/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND The overall goal of the present study is to investigate the economics of an integrated biorefinery converting hybrid poplar into jet fuel, xylitol, and formic acid. The process employs a combination of integrated biological, thermochemical, and electrochemical conversion pathways to convert the carbohydrates in poplar into jet fuel, xylitol, and formic acid production. The C5-sugars are converted into xylitol via hydrogenation. The C6-sugars are converted into jet fuel via fermentation into ethanol, followed by dehydration, oligomerization, and hydrogenation into jet fuel. CO2 produced during fermentation is converted into formic acid via electrolysis, thus, avoiding emissions and improving the process's overall carbon conversion. RESULTS Three different biorefinery scales are considered: small, intermediate, and large, assuming feedstock supplies of 150, 250, and 760 dry ktonne of poplar/year, respectively. For the intermediate-scale biorefinery, a minimum jet fuel selling price of $3.13/gallon was obtained at a discount rate of 15%. In a favorable scenario where the xylitol price is 25% higher than its current market value, a jet fuel selling price of $0.64/gallon was obtained. Co-locating the biorefinery with a power plant reduces the jet fuel selling price from $3.13 to $1.03 per gallon. CONCLUSION A unique integrated biorefinery to produce jet fuel was successfully modeled. Analysis of the biorefinery scales shows that the minimum jet fuel selling price for profitability decreases with increasing biorefinery scale, and for all scales, the biorefinery presents favorable economics, leading to a minimum jet fuel selling price lower than the current price for sustainable aviation fuel (SAF). The amount of xylitol and formic produced in a large-scale facility corresponds to 43% and 25%, respectively, of the global market volume of these products. These volumes will saturate the markets, making them infeasible scenarios. In contrast, the small and intermediate-scale biorefineries have product volumes that would not saturate current markets, does not present a feedstock availability problem, and produce jet fuel at a favorable price given the current SAF policy support. It is shown that the price of co-products greatly influences the minimum selling price of jet fuel, and co-location can further reduce the price of jet fuel.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Gabriel V. S. Seufitelli
- grid.34477.330000000122986657School of Environmental and Forest Sciences, University of Washington, Seattle, WA 98195 USA
| | - Hisham El-Husseini
- grid.34477.330000000122986657School of Environmental and Forest Sciences, University of Washington, Seattle, WA 98195 USA
| | - Danielle U. Pascoli
- grid.34477.330000000122986657School of Environmental and Forest Sciences, University of Washington, Seattle, WA 98195 USA
| | - Renata Bura
- grid.34477.330000000122986657School of Environmental and Forest Sciences, University of Washington, Seattle, WA 98195 USA
| | - Richard Gustafson
- grid.34477.330000000122986657School of Environmental and Forest Sciences, University of Washington, Seattle, WA 98195 USA
| |
Collapse
|
5
|
Hydroprocessing of oleic acid for the production of aviation turbine fuel range hydrocarbons over bimetallic Fe-Cu/SiO2-Al2O3 catalysts promoted by Sn, Ti and Zr. MOLECULAR CATALYSIS 2022. [DOI: 10.1016/j.mcat.2020.111358] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/22/2022]
|
6
|
Production of Jet Biofuels by Catalytic Hydroprocessing of Esters and Fatty Acids: A Review. Catalysts 2022. [DOI: 10.3390/catal12020237] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/04/2022] Open
Abstract
The transition from fossil to bio-based fuels is a requisite for reducing CO2 emissions in the aviation sector. Jet biofuels are alternative aviation fuels with similar chemical composition and performance of fossil jet fuels. In this context, the Hydroprocessing of Esters and Fatty Acids (HEFA) presents the most consolidated pathway for producing jet biofuels. The process for converting esters and/or fatty acids into hydrocarbons may involve hydrodeoxygenation, hydrocracking and hydroisomerization, depending on the chemical composition of the selected feedstock and the desired fuel properties. Furthermore, the HEFA process is usually performed under high H2 pressures and temperatures, with reactions mediated by a heterogeneous catalyst. In this framework, supported noble metals have been preferably employed in the HEFA process; however, some efforts were reported to utilize non-noble metals, achieving a similar performance of noble metals. Besides the metallic site, the acidic site of the catalyst is crucial for product selectivity. Bifunctional catalysts have been employed for the complete process of jet biofuel production with standardized properties, with a special remark for using zeolites as support. The proper design of heterogeneous catalysts may also reduce the consumption of hydrogen. Finally, the potential of enzymes as catalysts for intermediate products of the HEFA pathway is highlighted.
Collapse
|
7
|
Design and Pinch Analysis of a GFT Process for Production of Biojet Fuel from Biomass and Plastics. ENERGIES 2021. [DOI: 10.3390/en14196035] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/16/2022]
Abstract
Environmental problems are frequently related to energy use, estimated to grow at 1.6% per year until 2035. The transport sector accounts for 30% of energy demand and aviation is growing around 2.6% per year. Thus, low-emissions policies promote the use of sustainable aviation fuels. This work simulates a gasification and Fischer-Tropsch process to obtain biojet fuel from biomass and plastic waste. Syngas obtained through cogasification is purified by amine scrubbing and subjected to a Fischer-Tropsch process to produce hydrocarbons, which are upgraded for optimal fuel properties. Pinch analysis is applied to minimize energy usage, while Rankine cycles and a cooling tower are designed to cover the demand of electricity and cooling water. Results show that mass yields of the process towards biofuels are 13.06%, with an output of 1697.45 kg/h of biojet fuel. Density, kinematic viscosity, pour and flammability points and the lower calorific value of the biojet fuel comply with the ASTM D7566 standard. Pinch analysis allows to reduce 41.58% and 100% of cooling and heating demands, respectively, using biomass as renewable energy for heating. Moreover, steam generation covers 38.73% of the required electricity. The produced biojet fuel emits 20.14 gCO2eq/MJ and has a minimum selling price of 1.37 EUR/L.
Collapse
|
8
|
Ajala EO, Ighalo JO, Ajala MA, Adeniyi AG, Ayanshola AM. Sugarcane bagasse: a biomass sufficiently applied for improving global energy, environment and economic sustainability. BIORESOUR BIOPROCESS 2021; 8:87. [PMID: 38650274 PMCID: PMC10991612 DOI: 10.1186/s40643-021-00440-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/19/2021] [Accepted: 08/28/2021] [Indexed: 11/10/2022] Open
Abstract
Sugarcane (Saccharum officinarum) bagasse (SCB) is a biomass of agricultural waste obtained from sugarcane processing that has been found in abundance globally. Due to its abundance in nature, researchers have been harnessing this biomass for numerous applications such as in energy and environmental sustainability. However, before it could be optimally utilised, it has to be pre-treated using available methods. Different pre-treatment methods were reviewed for SCB, both alkaline and alkali-acid process reveal efficient and successful approaches for obtaining higher glucose production from hydrolysis. Procedures for hydrolysis were evaluated, and results indicate that pre-treated SCB was susceptible to acid and enzymatic hydrolysis as > 80% glucose yield was obtained in both cases. The SCB could achieve a bio-ethanol (a biofuel) yield of > 0.2 g/g at optimal conditions and xylitol (a bio-product) yield at > 0.4 g/g in most cases. Thermochemical processing of SCB also gave excellent biofuel yields. The plethora of products obtained in this regard have been catalogued and elucidated extensively. As found in this study, the SCB could be used in diverse applications such as adsorbent, ion exchange resin, briquettes, ceramics, concrete, cement and polymer composites. Consequently, the SCB is a biomass with great potential to meet global energy demand and encourage environmental sustainability.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- E O Ajala
- Department of Chemical Engineering, University of Ilorin, Ilorin, Nigeria.
- Unilorin Sugar Research Institute, University of Ilorin, Ilorin, Nigeria.
| | - J O Ighalo
- Department of Chemical Engineering, University of Ilorin, Ilorin, Nigeria
- Department of Chemical Engineering, Nnamdi Azikiwe University, Awka, Nigeria
| | - M A Ajala
- Department of Chemical Engineering, University of Ilorin, Ilorin, Nigeria
| | - A G Adeniyi
- Department of Chemical Engineering, University of Ilorin, Ilorin, Nigeria
| | - A M Ayanshola
- Department of Water Resources and Environmental Engineering, University of Ilorin, Ilorin, Nigeria
| |
Collapse
|
9
|
Biofuels for Maritime Transportation: A Spatial, Techno-Economic, and Logistic Analysis in Brazil, Europe, South Africa, and the USA. ENERGIES 2021. [DOI: 10.3390/en14164980] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/16/2022]
Abstract
Low or zero carbon fuels are crucial for maritime transportation decarbonization goals. This paper assesses potential localities for maritime biofuels (biobunkers) production in Brazil, Europe, South Africa, and United States considering geographical, logistic, and economic aspects. This assessment combines georeferenced and techno-economic analyses to identify suitable fuel production hotspots based on not only plant performance and costs but also on logistic integration and biomass seasonality. Five technology pathways were considered: Straight vegetable Oils (SVO), Hydrotreated Vegetable Oils (HVO), Fischer–Tropsch Biomass-to-liquids (FT-BTL), Alcohol oligomerization to middle distillates (ATD), and Hydrotreated Pyrolysis Oil (HDPO). Findings reveal that biomass concentration in Brazil makes it the region with highest biobunker potential, which are mostly close to coastal areas and surpasses regional demand. Although other regions registered more limited potentials, hotspots proximity to ports would enable fossil fuel replacements in these areas. For all cases, biobunker costs (USD 21–104/GJ) are higher than conventional marine fuels prices (USD 11–17/GJ). Only 15% of the hotspots’ carbon prices that would allow its competitiveness are lower than USD 100/tCO2. Alternatives to incentivize biobunker production would be, first, to establish mandatory fuel blends and second, to join forces with other sectors that would be benefited from the co-production of advanced biofuels.
Collapse
|
10
|
Ayandiran AA, Boahene PE, Dalai AK, Hu Y. Hydroprocessing of oleic acid for production of jet fuel range hydrocarbons over Sn(1)‐Fe(3)‐Cu(13)/SiO
2
‐Al
2
O
3
catalyst: Process parameters optimization, kinetics, and thermodynamic study. ASIA-PAC J CHEM ENG 2021. [DOI: 10.1002/apj.2621] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/12/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Afees A. Ayandiran
- Catalysis and Chemical Reaction Engineering Laboratories University of Saskatchewan Saskatoon Saskatchewan S7N 5A9 Canada
| | - Philip E. Boahene
- Catalysis and Chemical Reaction Engineering Laboratories University of Saskatchewan Saskatoon Saskatchewan S7N 5A9 Canada
| | - Ajay K. Dalai
- Catalysis and Chemical Reaction Engineering Laboratories University of Saskatchewan Saskatoon Saskatchewan S7N 5A9 Canada
| | - Yongfeng Hu
- Catalysis and Chemical Reaction Engineering Laboratories University of Saskatchewan Saskatoon Saskatchewan S7N 5A9 Canada
| |
Collapse
|
11
|
Xu Q, Sheng X, Jia H, Li N, Zhang J, Shi H, Niu M, Ping Q. Diatomite Stabilized KOH: An Efficient Heterogeneous Catalyst for Cyclopentanone Self‐condensation. ChemCatChem 2020. [DOI: 10.1002/cctc.202001538] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/10/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Qianqian Xu
- College of Light Industry and Chemical Engineering Dalian Polytechnic University Dalian 116034 Liaoning P. R. China
| | - Xueru Sheng
- College of Light Industry and Chemical Engineering Dalian Polytechnic University Dalian 116034 Liaoning P. R. China
| | - Haiyuan Jia
- Shandong Provincial Key Laboratory of Molecular Engineering School of Chemistry and Pharmaceutical Engineering Shandong Academy of Sciences Qilu University of Technology No. 3501, Daxue Road Jinan 250353 P. R. China
| | - Na Li
- College of Light Industry and Chemical Engineering Dalian Polytechnic University Dalian 116034 Liaoning P. R. China
| | - Jian Zhang
- College of Light Industry and Chemical Engineering Dalian Polytechnic University Dalian 116034 Liaoning P. R. China
| | - Haiqiang Shi
- College of Light Industry and Chemical Engineering Dalian Polytechnic University Dalian 116034 Liaoning P. R. China
| | - Meihong Niu
- College of Light Industry and Chemical Engineering Dalian Polytechnic University Dalian 116034 Liaoning P. R. China
| | - Qingwei Ping
- College of Light Industry and Chemical Engineering Dalian Polytechnic University Dalian 116034 Liaoning P. R. China
| |
Collapse
|
12
|
Yeletsky P, Kukushkin R, Yakovlev V, Chen B. Recent advances in one-stage conversion of lipid-based biomass-derived oils into fuel components - aromatics and isomerized alkanes. FUEL (LONDON, ENGLAND) 2020; 278:118255. [PMID: 32834073 PMCID: PMC7313509 DOI: 10.1016/j.fuel.2020.118255] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/03/2019] [Revised: 05/02/2020] [Accepted: 05/27/2020] [Indexed: 06/11/2023]
Abstract
Nowadays, production of biofuels is a rather hot topic due to depleting of conventional fossil fuel feedstocks and a number of other factors. Plant lipid-based feedstocks are very important for production of diesel-, kerosene-, and gasoline-like hydrocarbons. Usually, (hydro)deoxygenation processes are aimed at obtaining of linear hydrocarbons known to have poor fuel characteristics compared to the branched ones. Thus, further hydroisomerization is required to improve their properties as motor fuel components. This review article is focused on conversion of lipid-based feedstocks and model compounds into high-quality fuel components for a single step - direct cracking into aromatics and merged hydrodeoxygenation-hydroisomerization to obtain isoparaffins. The second process is quite novel and a number of the research articles presented in the literature is relatively low. As auxiliary subsections, hydroisomerization of straight hydrocarbons and techno-economic analysis of renewable diesel-like fuel production are briefly reviewed as well.
Collapse
Key Words
- (H)DO, (hydro)deoxygenation HEFA, hydroprocessed esters and fatty acids
- Al-HMS, aluminum-rich mesoporous aluminosilicate
- Aromatics
- BET, Brunauer-Emmett-Teller theory
- BTX, benzene-toluene-xylenes fraction
- Biofuel
- CL, clinoptilolite
- CN, cetane number
- CNTs, carbon nanotubes
- DCN, decarbonylation
- DCX, decarboxylation
- FAME, fatty acids methyl esters
- FFA, free fatty acids
- FOG, fats, oils, and grease
- HACA, homogeneous alkali catalysis alkanes
- HCO, heavy cycle oil
- HDO-HI, hydrodeoxygenation-hydroisomerization
- HDRD, hydrogenation-derived renewable diesel
- HRD, hydrogenated renewable diesel
- HRJ, hydroprocessed renewable jet
- Hydrodeoxygenation
- Hydroisomerization
- Isomerized paraffins
- LCO, light cycle oil
- LPG, liquefied petroleum gas
- MAFPs, minimum aviation fuel selling prices
- MJSP, minimum jet fuel selling price
- OLP(s), organic liquid product(s)
- PFAD, palm fatty acid distillate
- REY, Rare earth-Y zeolite
- ROI, return of investment
- RON, research octane number
- SAPO, silicoaluminophosphates
- SCA, supercritical catalysis alkanes
- TAG, triacylglycerol
- TEO, techno-economic outlook
- TOS, time-on-stream
- Vegetable oil
- WCO, waste cooking oil
- WE(s), wax ester(s)
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- P.M. Yeletsky
- Boreskov Institute of Catalysis, Lavrentieva Ave. 5, Novosibirsk 630090, Russian Federation
| | - R.G. Kukushkin
- Boreskov Institute of Catalysis, Lavrentieva Ave. 5, Novosibirsk 630090, Russian Federation
- Novosibirsk State University, Pirogova Str., 1, Novosibirsk 630090, Russian Federation
| | - V.A. Yakovlev
- Boreskov Institute of Catalysis, Lavrentieva Ave. 5, Novosibirsk 630090, Russian Federation
- Novosibirsk State University, Pirogova Str., 1, Novosibirsk 630090, Russian Federation
| | - B.H. Chen
- National Cheng Kung University, No.1, University Road, Tainan City 701 70101, Taiwan, ROC
| |
Collapse
|
13
|
Techno-Economic and Environmental Assessment of Biomass Gasification and Fischer–Tropsch Synthesis Integrated to Sugarcane Biorefineries. ENERGIES 2020. [DOI: 10.3390/en13174576] [Citation(s) in RCA: 27] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/20/2022]
Abstract
Large-scale deployment of both biochemical and thermochemical routes for advanced biofuels production is seen as a key climate change mitigation option. This study addresses techno-economic and environmental aspects of advanced liquid biofuels production alternatives via biomass gasification and Fischer–Tropsch synthesis integrated to a typical sugarcane distillery. The thermochemical route comprises the conversion of the residual lignocellulosic fraction of conventional sugarcane (bagasse and straw), together with eucalyptus and energy-cane as emerging lignocellulosic biomass options. This work promotes an integrated framework to simulate the mass and energy balances of process alternatives and incorporates techno-economic analyses and sustainability assessment methods based on a life-cycle perspective. Results show that integrated biorefineries provide greenhouse gas emission reduction between 85–95% compared to the fossil equivalent, higher than that expected from a typical sugarcane biorefinery. When considering avoided emissions by cultivated area, biorefinery scenarios processing energy-cane are favored, however at lower economic performance. Thermochemical processes may take advantage of the integration with the typical sugarcane mills and novel biofuels policies (e.g., RenovaBio) to mitigate some of the risks linked to the implementation of new biofuel technologies.
Collapse
|
14
|
Hydroprocessing of Oleic Acid for Production of Jet-Fuel Range Hydrocarbons over Cu and FeCu Catalysts. Catalysts 2019. [DOI: 10.3390/catal9121051] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/17/2022] Open
Abstract
In the present study, a series of monometallic Cu/SiO2-Al2O3 catalysts exhibited immense potential in the hydroprocessing of oleic acid to produce jet-fuel range hydrocarbons. The synergistic effect of Fe on the monometallic Cu/SiO2-Al2O3 catalysts of variable Cu loadings (5–15 wt%) was ascertained by varying Fe contents in the range of 1–5 wt% on the optimized 13% Cu/SiO2-Al2O3 catalyst. At 340 °C and 2.07 MPa H2 pressure, the jet-fuel range hydrocarbons yield and selectivities of 51.8% and 53.8%, respectively, were recorded for the Fe(3)-Cu(13)/SiO2-Al2O3 catalyst. To investigate the influence of acidity of support on the cracking of oleic acid, ZSM-5 (Zeolite Socony Mobil–5) and HZSM-5(Protonated Zeolite Socony Mobil–5)-supported 3% Fe-13% Cu were also evaluated at 300–340 °C and 2.07 MPa H2 pressure. Extensive techniques including N2 sorption analysis, pyridine- Fourier Transform Infrared Spectroscopy (Pyridine-FTIR), X-ray Diffraction (XRD), X-ray Photoelectron Spectroscopy (XPS), and H2-Temperature Programmed Reduction (H2-TPR) analyses were used to characterize the materials. XPS analysis revealed the existence of Cu1+ phase in the Fe(3)-Cu(13)/SiO2-Al2O3 catalyst, while Cu metal was predominant in both the ZSM-5 and HZSM-5-supported FeCu catalysts. The lowest crystallite size of Fe(3)-Cu(13)/SiO2-Al2O3 was confirmed by XRD, indicating high metal dispersion and corroborated by the weakest metal–support interaction revealed from the TPR profile of this catalyst. CO chemisorption also confirmed high metal dispersion (8.4%) for the Fe(3)-Cu(13)/SiO2-Al2O3 catalyst. The lowest and mildest Brønsted/Lewis acid sites ratio was recorded from the pyridine–FTIR analysis for this catalyst. The highest jet-fuel range hydrocarbons yield of 59.5% and 73.6% selectivity were recorded for the Fe(3)-Cu(13)/SiO2-Al2O3 catalyst evaluated at 300 °C and 2.07 MPa H2 pressure, which can be attributed to its desirable textural properties, high oxophilic iron content, high metal dispersion and mild Brønsted acid sites present in this catalyst.
Collapse
|
15
|
Technoeconomic and life-cycle analysis of single-step catalytic conversion of wet ethanol into fungible fuel blendstocks. Proc Natl Acad Sci U S A 2019; 117:12576-12583. [PMID: 31767762 DOI: 10.1073/pnas.1821684116] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/18/2022] Open
Abstract
Technoeconomic and life-cycle analyses are presented for catalytic conversion of ethanol to fungible hydrocarbon fuel blendstocks, informed by advances in catalyst and process development. Whereas prior work toward this end focused on 3-step processes featuring dehydration, oligomerization, and hydrogenation, the consolidated alcohol dehydration and oligomerization (CADO) approach described here results in 1-step conversion of wet ethanol vapor (40 wt% in water) to hydrocarbons and water over a metal-modified zeolite catalyst. A development project increased liquid hydrocarbon yields from 36% of theoretical to >80%, reduced catalyst cost by an order of magnitude, scaled up the process by 300-fold, and reduced projected costs of ethanol conversion 12-fold. Current CADO products conform most closely to gasoline blendstocks, but can be blended with jet fuel at low levels today, and could potentially be blended at higher levels in the future. Operating plus annualized capital costs for conversion of wet ethanol to fungible blendstocks are estimated at $2.00/GJ for CADO today and $1.44/GJ in the future, similar to the unit energy cost of producing anhydrous ethanol from wet ethanol ($1.46/GJ). Including the cost of ethanol from either corn or future cellulosic biomass but not production incentives, projected minimum selling prices for fungible blendstocks produced via CADO are competitive with conventional jet fuel when oil is $100 per barrel but not at $60 per barrel. However, with existing production incentives, the projected minimum blendstock selling price is competitive with oil at $60 per barrel. Life-cycle greenhouse gas emission reductions for CADO-derived hydrocarbon blendstocks closely follow those for the ethanol feedstock.
Collapse
|
16
|
Eagan NM, Kumbhalkar MD, Buchanan JS, Dumesic JA, Huber GW. Chemistries and processes for the conversion of ethanol into middle-distillate fuels. Nat Rev Chem 2019. [DOI: 10.1038/s41570-019-0084-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 79] [Impact Index Per Article: 15.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/22/2022]
|
17
|
Geleynse S, Brandt K, Garcia-Perez M, Wolcott M, Zhang X. The Alcohol-to-Jet Conversion Pathway for Drop-In Biofuels: Techno-Economic Evaluation. CHEMSUSCHEM 2018; 11:3728-3741. [PMID: 30212605 DOI: 10.1002/cssc.201801690] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/24/2018] [Revised: 09/11/2018] [Indexed: 06/08/2023]
Abstract
The alcohol-to-jet (ATJ) process is a method for the conversion of alcohols to an alternative jet fuel blendstock based on catalytic steps historically utilized by the petroleum refining and petrochemical industry. This pathway provides a means for producing a sustainable alternative jet fuel (SAJF) from a wide variety of resources and offers a near-term opportunity for alcohol producers to enter the SAJF market and for the aviation sector to meet growing SAJF demand. Herein, the technical background is reviewed and selected variations of ATJ processes evaluated. Simulation and modeling were employed to assess some ATJ conversion schemes, with a particular focus on comparisons between the use of an ethanol or isobutanol intermediate. Although the utilization of isobutanol offers a 34 % lower conversion cost for the catalytic upgrading process, the cost of alcohol production is estimated to contribute more than 80 % of the total cost at the refinery. The cost of feedstock and alcohol production has a dominant effect on the overall process economics.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Scott Geleynse
- Bioproducts, Sciences, and Engineering Laboratory, Washington State University, 2710 Crimson Way, Richland, WA, 99354, USA
- Gene and Linda School of Chemical Engineering and Bioengineering, Washington State University, USA
| | - Kristin Brandt
- Composite Materials Engineering Center, Washington State University, P.O. Box 645815, Pullman, WA, 99164, USA
| | - Manuel Garcia-Perez
- Biological Systems Engineering, Washington State University, P.O. Box 64120, Pullman, WA, 99164, USA
| | - Michael Wolcott
- Composite Materials Engineering Center, Washington State University, P.O. Box 645815, Pullman, WA, 99164, USA
| | - Xiao Zhang
- Bioproducts, Sciences, and Engineering Laboratory, Washington State University, 2710 Crimson Way, Richland, WA, 99354, USA
- Gene and Linda School of Chemical Engineering and Bioengineering, Washington State University, USA
| |
Collapse
|
18
|
Silva Braz D, Pinto Mariano A. Jet fuel production in eucalyptus pulp mills: Economics and carbon footprint of ethanol vs. butanol pathway. BIORESOURCE TECHNOLOGY 2018; 268:9-19. [PMID: 30064036 DOI: 10.1016/j.biortech.2018.07.102] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/25/2018] [Revised: 07/19/2018] [Accepted: 07/20/2018] [Indexed: 06/08/2023]
Abstract
This work assessed the economics and carbon footprint of alcohol (ethanol vs. n-butanol)-to-jet fuel production using eucalyptus for feedstock. Considering a risk-mitigating strategy of investing first in the alcohol plant (organosolv pretreatment, enzymatic hydrolysis, fermentation) and waiting five years until the second investment (alcohol-to-jet plant), the minimum jet fuel selling price was similar in both ethanol and butanol cases (2.10 and 2.08 US$/l for 20% Internal Rate of Return, IRR). In contrast, according to a stochastic decision-making framework that had carbon footprint as one of the criteria, the ethanol pathway is more promising. Nevertheless, even optimistic assumptions (regarding e.g. lignin price, and the interval between project phases) were ineffective to prevent eucalyptus jet fuel from depending on price premium (>1.00 US$/l), which is needed for better returns than those from eucalyptus ethanol plants. Therefore, the feasibility of alcohol-to-jet fuel production in eucalyptus pulp mills depends on long-term, stable premium and subsidy.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Danilo Silva Braz
- University of Campinas (UNICAMP), School of Chemical Engineering, Laboratory of Optimization, Design, and Advanced Control (LOPCA), Campinas, SP, Brazil
| | - Adriano Pinto Mariano
- University of Campinas (UNICAMP), School of Chemical Engineering, Laboratory of Optimization, Design, and Advanced Control (LOPCA), Campinas, SP, Brazil.
| |
Collapse
|
19
|
Li X, Mupondwa E, Tabil L. Technoeconomic analysis of biojet fuel production from camelina at commercial scale: Case of Canadian Prairies. BIORESOURCE TECHNOLOGY 2018; 249:196-205. [PMID: 29040855 DOI: 10.1016/j.biortech.2017.09.183] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/26/2017] [Revised: 09/25/2017] [Accepted: 09/26/2017] [Indexed: 06/07/2023]
Abstract
This study undertakes technoeconomic analysis of commercial production of hydro-processed renewable jet (HRJ) fuel from camelina oil in the Canadian Prairies. An engineering economic model designed in SuperPro Designer® investigated capital investment, scale, and profitability of producing HRJ and co-products (biodiesel, naphtha, LPG, and propane) based on biorefinery plant sizes of 112.5-675 million L annum-1. Under base case scenario, the minimum selling price (MSP) of HRJ was $1.06 L-1 for a biorefinery plant with size of 225 million L. However, it could range from $0.40 to $1.71 L-1 given variations in plant capacity, feedstock cost, and co-product credits. MSP is highly sensitive to camelina feedstock cost and co-product credits, with little sensitivity to capital cost, discount rate, plant capacity, and hydrogen cost. Marginal and average cost curves suggest the region could support an HRJ plant capacity of up to 675 million L annum-1 (capital investment of $167 million).
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Xue Li
- Bioproducts and Bioprocesses, Science and Technology Branch, Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada (AAFC), Government of Canada, Saskatoon Research and Development Centre, 107 Science Place, Saskatoon, SK S7N 0X2, Canada
| | - Edmund Mupondwa
- Bioproducts and Bioprocesses, Science and Technology Branch, Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada (AAFC), Government of Canada, Saskatoon Research and Development Centre, 107 Science Place, Saskatoon, SK S7N 0X2, Canada; Department of Chemical and Biological Engineering, University of Saskatchewan, 57 Campus Drive, Saskatoon, SK S7N 5A9, Canada.
| | - Lope Tabil
- Department of Chemical and Biological Engineering, University of Saskatchewan, 57 Campus Drive, Saskatoon, SK S7N 5A9, Canada
| |
Collapse
|
20
|
Hengsawad T, Srimingkwanchai C, Butnark S, Resasco DE, Jongpatiwut S. Effect of Metal–Acid Balance on Hydroprocessed Renewable Jet Fuel Synthesis from Hydrocracking and Hydroisomerization of Biohydrogenated Diesel over Pt-Supported Catalysts. Ind Eng Chem Res 2018. [DOI: 10.1021/acs.iecr.7b04711] [Citation(s) in RCA: 36] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/30/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Tepin Hengsawad
- The
Petroleum and Petrochemical College, Chulalongkorn University, Bangkok 10330, Thailand
| | | | - Suchada Butnark
- PTT
Research and Technology Institute, PTT Public Company Limited, Ayutthaya 13170, Thailand
| | - Daniel E. Resasco
- School
of Chemical, Biological and Materials Engineering, University of Oklahoma, Norman, Oklahoma 73019, United States
| | - Siriporn Jongpatiwut
- The
Petroleum and Petrochemical College, Chulalongkorn University, Bangkok 10330, Thailand
- Center
of Excellence on Petrochemical and Materials Technology, Chulalongkorn University, Bangkok 10330, Thailand
| |
Collapse
|
21
|
Vyhmeister E, Ruiz-Mercado GJ, Torres AI, Posada JA. Optimization of multi-pathway production chains and multi-criteria decision-making through sustainability evaluation: a biojet fuel production case study. CLEAN TECHNOLOGIES AND ENVIRONMENTAL POLICY 2018; 20:1697-1719. [PMID: 32831814 PMCID: PMC7433847 DOI: 10.1007/s10098-018-1576-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/29/2018] [Accepted: 07/02/2018] [Indexed: 06/11/2023]
Abstract
Selection of optimal technologies for novel biobased products and processes is a major challenge in process design, especially when are considered many alternatives available to transform materials into valuable products. Furthermore, such technological alternatives vary in their technical performances and cause different levels of economic and environmental impacts throughout their life cycles. Additionally, selection of optimal production pathways requires a shift from the traditional materials management practices to more sustainable practices. This contribution provides a method for optimizing multi-product network systems from a sustainability perspective by applying the GREENSCOPE framework as a sustainable objective function. A case study is presented in which the four GREENSCOPE target areas (i.e., efficiency, energy, economics, and environment) are evaluated by 21 preselected indicators as part of a multi-objective optimization problem of a biojet fuel production network. The biojet fuel production network evaluated in this study consists of four main elements: (1) feedstocks management, (2) conversion technologies, (3) co-products upgrading, and (4) auxiliary sections for in situ production of raw materials and utilities. For the sustainability objective function, the 21 indicators are analyzed considering multiple perspectives of stakeholders to study their influence on the decision-making process. It is, different sets of weighting factors are assigned to each of the four target areas. Hence, this sustainability evaluation from different stakeholders' perspectives allows identifying optimal networks, specific target areas with great potential for improvements, and processing steps with great influence in the entire network performance. As a result, diverse optimal network arrangements were obtained according to the multiple stakeholders' perspectives. This evidences that a win-win situation for all sustainability aspects considered can hardly be reached. Finally, this contribution demonstrated the applicability of the proposed methodology for sustainability evaluation, optimization, and decision-making in the context of a multi-product material facility by developing a multi-objective optimization model.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
| | - Gerardo J Ruiz-Mercado
- National Risk Management Research Laboratory, U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, 26 West Martin Luther King Drive, Cincinnati, OH 45268, USA
| | - Ana I Torres
- Instituto de Ingeniería Química, Facultad de Ingeniería, Universidad de la República, J. Herrera y Reissig 565, 11300 Montevideo, Uruguay
| | - John A Posada
- Department of Biotechnology, Delft University of Technology, van der Maasweg 9, 2629 HZ Delft, The Netherlands
| |
Collapse
|
22
|
Farzad S, Mandegari MA, Görgens JF. Integrated techno-economic and environmental analysis of butadiene production from biomass. BIORESOURCE TECHNOLOGY 2017; 239:37-48. [PMID: 28500887 DOI: 10.1016/j.biortech.2017.04.130] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/27/2017] [Revised: 04/28/2017] [Accepted: 04/30/2017] [Indexed: 06/07/2023]
Abstract
In this study, lignocellulose biorefineries annexed to a typical sugar mill were investigated to produce either ethanol (EtOH) or 1,3-butadiene (BD), utilizing bagasse and trash as feedstock. Aspen simulation of the scenarios were developed and evaluated in terms of economic and environmental performance. The minimum selling prices (MSPs) for bio-based BD and EtOH production were 2.9-3.3 and 1.26-1.38-fold higher than market prices, respectively. Based on the sensitivity analysis results, capital investment, Internal Rate of Return and extension of annual operating time had the greatest impact on the MSP. Monte Carlo simulation demonstrated that EtOH and BD productions could be profitable if the average of ten-year historical price increases by 1.05 and 1.9-fold, respectively. The fossil-based route was found inferior to bio-based pathway across all investigated environmental impact categories, due to burdens associated with oil extraction.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Somayeh Farzad
- Department of Process Engineering, Stellenbosch University, Private Bag X1, Matieland 7602, South Africa.
| | - Mohsen Ali Mandegari
- Department of Process Engineering, Stellenbosch University, Private Bag X1, Matieland 7602, South Africa
| | - Johann F Görgens
- Department of Process Engineering, Stellenbosch University, Private Bag X1, Matieland 7602, South Africa
| |
Collapse
|
23
|
Ali Mandegari M, Farzad S, Görgens JF. Economic and environmental assessment of cellulosic ethanol production scenarios annexed to a typical sugar mill. BIORESOURCE TECHNOLOGY 2017; 224:314-326. [PMID: 27816352 DOI: 10.1016/j.biortech.2016.10.074] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/06/2016] [Revised: 10/20/2016] [Accepted: 10/21/2016] [Indexed: 05/06/2023]
Abstract
In this work different biorefinery scenarios were investigated, concerning the co-production of bioethanol and electricity from available lignocellulose at a typical sugar mill, as possible extensions to the current combustion of bagasse for steam and electricity production and burning trash on-filed. In scenario 1, the whole bagasse and brown leaves is utilized in a biorefinery and coal is burnt in the existing inefficient sugar mill boiler. Scenario 2 & 3 are assumed with a new centralized CHP unit without/with coal co-combustion, respectively. Also, through scenarios 4 & 5, the effect of water insoluble loading were studied. All scenarios provided energy for the sugarmill and the ethanol plant, with the export of surplus electricity. Economic analysis determined that scenario 1 was the most viable scenario due to less capital cost and economies-of scale. Based on Life Cycle Assessment (LCA) results, scenario 2 outperformed the other scenarios, while three scenarios showed lower contribution to environmental burdens than the current situation.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Mohsen Ali Mandegari
- Department of Process Engineering, University of Stellenbosch, Private Bag X1, Matieland, 7602, South Africa.
| | - Somayeh Farzad
- Department of Process Engineering, University of Stellenbosch, Private Bag X1, Matieland, 7602, South Africa
| | - Johann F Görgens
- Department of Process Engineering, University of Stellenbosch, Private Bag X1, Matieland, 7602, South Africa
| |
Collapse
|
24
|
Farzad S, Mandegari MA, Guo M, Haigh KF, Shah N, Görgens JF. Multi-product biorefineries from lignocelluloses: a pathway to revitalisation of the sugar industry? BIOTECHNOLOGY FOR BIOFUELS 2017; 10:87. [PMID: 28400858 PMCID: PMC5387292 DOI: 10.1186/s13068-017-0761-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/06/2016] [Accepted: 03/18/2017] [Indexed: 05/03/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Driven by a range of sustainability challenges, e.g. climate change, resource depletion and expanding populations, a circular bioeconomy is emerging and expected to evolve progressively in the coming decades. South Africa along with other BRICS countries (Brazil, Russia, India and China) represents the emerging bioeconomy and contributes significantly to global sugar market. In our research, South Africa is used as a case study to demonstrate the sustainable design for the future biorefineries annexed to existing sugar industry. Detailed techno-economic evaluation and Life Cycle Assessment (LCA) were applied to model alternative routes for converting sugarcane residues (bagasse and trash) to selected biofuel and/or biochemicals (ethanol, ethanol and lactic acid, ethanol and furfural, butanol, methanol and Fischer-Tropsch synthesis, with co-production of surplus electricity) in an energy self-sufficient biorefinery system. RESULTS Economic assessment indicated that methanol synthesis with an internal rate of return (IRR) of 16.7% and ethanol-lactic acid co-production (20.5%) met the minimum investment criteria of 15%, while the latter had the lowest sensitivity to market price amongst all the scenarios. LCA results demonstrated that sugarcane cultivation was the most significant contributor to environmental impacts in all of the scenarios, other than the furfural production scenario in which a key step, a biphasic process with tetrahydrofuran solvent, had the most significant contribution. CONCLUSION Overall, the thermochemical routes presented environmental advantages over biochemical pathways on most of the impact categories, except for acidification and eutrophication. Of the investigated scenarios, furfural production delivered the inferior environmental performance, while methanol production performed best due to its low reagent consumption. The combined techno-economic and environmental assessments identified the performance-limiting steps in the 2G biorefinery design for sugarcane industry and highlighted the technology development opportunities under circular bioeconomy context.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Somayeh Farzad
- Department of Process Engineering, Stellenbosch University, Stellenbosch, 7600 South Africa
| | - Mohsen Ali Mandegari
- Department of Process Engineering, Stellenbosch University, Stellenbosch, 7600 South Africa
| | - Miao Guo
- Department of Chemical Engineering, Imperial College London, London, SW7 2AZ UK
| | - Kathleen F. Haigh
- Department of Process Engineering, Stellenbosch University, Stellenbosch, 7600 South Africa
| | - Nilay Shah
- Department of Chemical Engineering, Imperial College London, London, SW7 2AZ UK
| | - Johann F. Görgens
- Department of Process Engineering, Stellenbosch University, Stellenbosch, 7600 South Africa
| |
Collapse
|