Process design and economic assessment of butanol production from lignocellulosic biomass via chemical looping gasification

Abstract

Biomass chemical looping gasification (BCLG) is a promising gasification technology to convert biomass into synthesis gas with no need for molecular oxygen. In this study, a novel process for butanol production from lignocellulosic biomass based on BCLG is proposed. The proposed process is simulated using Aspen Plus and composed of main sub-processes such as BCLG, acid gas removal, synthesis and separation of alcohol. An economic assessment is conducted according to results of Aspen Plus model. The equipment cost for the proposed process is evaluated as 4.65 × 108 CNY and the minimum butanol selling price is estimated as 9.35 CNY/kg. Sensitivity analysis of the process indicates that pine sawdust price has the largest effect on the minimum butanol selling price followed by total equipment cost and plant lifetime. Finally, impacts of CO conversion and carbon tax on the minimum butanol selling price are explored.