Abstract
In this study, the conceptual process flowsheet was developed and the economic feasibility of woody biomass conversion to biofuel as feedstock was analysed by considering several promising experimental processes for lignin depolymerization, such as hydrodeoxygenation and hydrogenolysis, along with lignocellulosic biomass fractionation processes. The engineering simulation process toward the commercial production of bio-gasoline from lignocellulosic biomass using SuperPro Designer® was modeled. The compatibility of the end products with the current gasoline specifications was evaluated and various blending options were investigated to meet the octane number and Reid vapor pressure requirement of the product. The economic potential of the simulated engineering process was then evaluated from an economic perspective. The operating costs and capital investment of three scenario using three different catalytic systems were estimated and discussed to assess of the potential of commercializing of woody biomass valorization process. The main potential market segments were identified, including the process by-products such as xylose and cellulose pulp. From the economic evaluation study, it was found that selling the biomass fractionation products alone does have a greater profit than valorization of lignin to produce bio-gasoline, with net present value of RMB 22,653,000 and RMB 177,000, respectively at the same return on investment if the plant is set up in Hong Kong. It was also found that catalysts play a pivotal role in determination of the profitability in the valorization process, not only because of the price of the catalyst, but also the product distributions obtained with various types of it. To obtain the same gross profit, the sale price of bio-gasoline has to be set higher with platinum catalysts than with ruthenium catalysts (nearly 10 folds). Thus, catalyst development and process improvement are crucial in the establishment of bio-based circular economy.
Highlights
Technological advancements in conventional and renewable energy production processes has changed people’s lifestyle
The process consists of pre-treatment and lignin extraction, hydrodeoxygenation/hydrogenolysis process and the final blending with butane, ethanol and reformate (RON = 95), etc. to produce a bio-gasoline that is compatible with the current uses of gasoline
SuperPro Designer® process simulator has been extensively used in modelling, evaluation and optimization of integrated biomass conversion process, especially for the first generation of biorefinery, such as bioethanol production [11, 14, 17, 19, 22, 67, 69], biodiesel production [72], food waste valorization [79], microalgae biorefinery
Summary
Technological advancements in conventional and renewable energy production processes has changed people’s lifestyle. A growing global population coupled with higher purchasing power has driven global industries to adapt to higher energy demands and to explore emerging renewable and alternative energy. There were used to be a few wood recycling and treatment companies in Hong Kong where old crates were refurbished for reuse and wood waste was shredded into wood chips for export overseas for further recycling operation. These wood recyclers ceased to operate due to financial reasons. Successful recovery of these components can provide high economic returns if wood waste is properly recycled and reused, if they can be chemically converted and valorised
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