Coproduction of Acrylic Acid with a Biodiesel Plant Using CO2 as Reaction Medium: Process Modeling and Production Cost Estimation

Abstract

Producing value-added chemicals from glycerol is imperative for the sustainable future of biodiesel. Despite worldwide efforts, the commercial production of acrylic acid from glycerol faces challenges, both technologically and economically. Based on our new technology using CO2 as a reaction medium in a two-step process to catalytically convert glycerol to acrylic acid, we established computer simulation models to analyze the energy efficiency and estimate production costs at different scenarios. The analysis was conducted in conjunction with published data of a typical, intermediate-sized biodiesel facility, aiming at the feasibility of producing acrylic acid on-site in the context of a circular economy. Variable analysis in response to the market value of glycerol, the source and cost of carbon dioxide recycling, and the changes in process scale and conditions are also presented. Results indicates that a cost-effective supply of CO2 to the acrylic acid plant is key to the further research and development.