Process simulation of the pilot scale bioethanol production from rice straw by Aspen Hysys

Abstract

This work is to implement a working model of an integrated process for bioethanol in the process simulation based on rigorous model using the Aspen HYSYS simulation software. As a case study, the simulation is applied to design a pilot plant that converts rice straw into ethanol. The model is based on the process for biochemical conversion of lignocellulosic biomass (rice straw) to ethanol, proposed by the pilot plant of producing bio-ethanol with capacity of 152 kg rice straw/batch. The plant for manufacturing bio-ethanol with rice straw as raw materials comprises basically three units: Pretreatment of rice straw by alkaline treatment; Simultaneous saccharification fermentation (SSF) of rice straw to produce bio-ethanol and the unit for separation and purification of bio-ethanol mixture from simultaneous and fermentation unit. Modeling of rice straw feedstock as a solid material in Aspen HYSYS, including the creation of necessary hypothetical components. Investigate and analyze the final ethanol yield of the simulation project in comparison with actual process. The model proposed was for easily evaluate and analyze various factors which affect to the final ethanol yield by changing operating conditions and being possible to find the optimal conditions for different input flow rate and many independent factors. The simulation model obtained in this study can be applied to any SSF processes with different biomass feedstock.