Integrating a Fischer Tropsch process into a pulp mill - A techno-economic assessment

Abstract

To reduce the greenhouse gas emissions of the transport sector, synthetic fuels based on CO2 and H2 are one viable option. This paper evaluates the integration of a Fischer Tropsch process into a pulp mill to improve efficiency and to lower CO2 emissions. Different syngas preparation technologies, plant sizes, and gas loop designs are considered. The processes were simulated with a chemical process simulation software to retrieve mass and energy balances. Based on the simulations, the processes are evaluated regarding economics, CO2 emissions, and efficiency indicators.The Power-to-Fuel efficiency reaches almost 40 % for closed loop configuration with reverse water gas shift reactor for carbon monoxide production. For the open loop configuration the efficiency is tremendously lower. In closed loop configurations, the carbon efficiency reaches 80 %. The levelized cost of syncrude ranges from 3.28 to 7.69 €/kg. The most important impact on syncrude price comes from electricity price, investment cost, and efficiency of water electrolysis. Integrating the Fischer Tropsch process into the pulp mill shows advantages in terms of Power-to-Fuel efficiency and CO2 emissions but not necessarily in terms of economics.