Process development for production of platform chemicals from white birch: Insights from techno-economic and life-cycle assessment

Abstract

Development of biorefineries is the need of the hour considering the heavy reliance on fossil reserves for production of bulk/specialty chemicals, solvents etc. In this manuscript, an integrated process has been developed for co-production of 2,3-butanediol (BDO) and adipic acid from white birch. To develop energy efficient process, heat integration was conducted through pinch analysis which led to 87% reduction in heating energy requirement. Further, economic and environmental analyses were performed using discounted cash flow analysis and life cycle assessment (LCA). Minimum selling price (MSP) of 2,3-BDO was estimated to be US$1,292/ton while environmental impact of the proposed production route was estimated to be 0.97 kg CO2 eq. and 0.35 kg oil eq./kg 2,3-BDO. Sensitivity analysis was conducted and it was observed that feedstock price and production rate are the most influential. The integrative analyses as studied in this work will be helpful for development of sustainable biorefineries.