Convenient Product Distribution for a Lignocellulosic Biorefinery: Optimization through Sustainable Indexes

Abstract

The current approach for technological projects must fulfill sustainability indexes. In this work, we use a multiobjective optimization framework to analyze the convenient product distribution in a lignocellulosic biorefinery, considering economic, environmental, and safety indexes. Corn cob was selected as feedstock due to the high annual volume produced as residue of maize crop. Products selection was based on the existing demand and economic value; bioethanol, lactic acid, succinic acid, xylitol, and lignosulfonates were chosen. Through the multiobjective optimization strategy an efficient solution with an Economic Potential Index of 0.16 is achieved, generating an annual utility of nearly 70 kUSD when bioethanol and xylitol production is favored over succinic acid and lactic acid. This tool can be applied with different feedstocks and products in a biorefinery scheme, with kinetic and yield data for corresponding processes.

Multistep Solvent-Free 3 m2 Footprint Pilot Miniplant for the Synthesis of Annual Half-Ton Rufinamide Precursor

“…Additionally, this equation has been recently used in the literature. 58 In this context, the dimension of the continuous and modular plant was assumed to be of a total capacity of 10 ton/ year of rufinamide with a useful life of 10 years. Similar types of plants have been built at MIC in the past (see Figure 11 as an example).…”

“…Even though eq was developed 22 years ago, it represents a more appropriate approximation than the usual rule of thumb of dividing the lab process by a factor of 10. Additionally, this equation has been recently used in the literature …”

Second-Generation Bioethanol from Coconut Husk

“…In an energy driven biorefinery system, the biomass is primarily used to produce energy (biofuel, power and/or heat), and other byproducts are upgraded to more added-value products to optimize the economic and ecological performance of the whole production process [ 103 ]. Larragoiti-Kuri et al [ 104 ] propose a biorefinery using corn cob as a substrate that produces bioethanol and lactic acid from the cellulose fraction, xylitol and succinic acid from xylose (hemicellulose) and lignosulfonates from lignin. They optimized product distribution by using economic potential, specific energy intensity, and safety indexes as criteria.…”

Simulation and optimization for a lignocellulosic biorefinery considering social, economic and environmental indicators

“…1 The lignocellulosic feedstock we selected was corncob, it is a cheap, available, and with specific composition (low protein), that make it unsuitable for animal feed. 2 According to a study by the International Energy Agency, the production of second-generation biofuels in developing countries such as Mexico, is attractive for the search for domestic or international financing, highlighting the fact of evaluating the energy benefits that could have biomass. It is important to take care in the availability of water required by the process, as well as collect reliable and representative data on the economic, environmen-tal and social area, with the objective of create specific conclusions and recommendations to each country.…”