The Optimal Conditions of Saccharification and Fermentation Processes for ethanol production from Bagasse and Economic Feasibility Analysis

Abstract

Thailand is one of the agricultural countries as a good natural resource like rice, sugarcane. The residue of sugarcane is a Bagasse as the main agricultural products of the sugar industry. Since Thailand is one of the major sugar exporters, it is reported that Thailand produces sugarcane bagasse over 50 million metric tons every year. The objective of this research was to study the optimal condition of saccharification and fermentation Bagasse converted to ethanol production. The research found that 7 days after saccharification and fermentation from Aspergillus and yeast has the highest ethanol content was 12.45±0.43%. While reducing sugar contents 285.65±0.74 g/L. And the results of ethanol concentration from the first and the second distillation were shown as 65.29±0.57% and 92.05±1.24%, respectively. When a study of economic feasibility analysis from selected ethanol condition process has a sensitivity analysis and the payback period is approximately only five months to seven months. In conclusion, the proposed project is attractive for the investors because the current price of ethanol is 18.21 THB per litter and its trend is expected to keep rising. However, if sugarcane bagasse was properly managed, it would be mean to support the robustness and sustainability of the community. It can also reduce agricultural waste and weeds. It can solve the energy crisis as an alternative avenue in the future.