Title:
Eucalyptus Forest Residues as Feedstock for Biorefineries: Process Design and Simulation
Author(s):
Nogueira, G.P., Dias, M.O., Cavaliero, C.K.N.
Document(s):
Paper
Poster
Abstract:
New public policies implemented in Brazil present a second chance for cellulosic biofuels to shine. With a potentially lower carbon footprint, compared to sugarcane first generation ethanol, biofuel producers could see cellulosic ethanol as a new opportunity. Exploring low-cost biomasses, such as eucalyptus harvest residues (EFR), under this approach adds more to the equation, since EFR are available year-round. This work aims to explore EFR as a feedstock for biorefineries, by proposing a cohesive process design for ethanol and electricity production, through a biochemical pathway. Two design improvements are analyzed: biodigestion and heat integration. Both proved to be successful in boosting ethanol production, generating a bigger share of electricity surplus and optimizing the biorefinery energy balance. The proposed biorefinery design is self-sustainable in energy and achieved production rates comparable to the suggested in data sources. The final scenario is, then, suitable for the future economic and environmental assessments.
Keywords:
biorefinery, ethanol, eucalyptus, process simulation, process design, harvest residues
Topic:
Biomass Technologies and Conversion to Intermediate Bioenergy Carriers and Products of the Bioeconomy
Subtopic:
Biorefineries
Event:
28th European Biomass Conference and Exhibition
Session:
3BV.4.2
Pages:
618 - 620
ISBN:
978-88-89407-20-2
Paper DOI:
10.5071/28thEUBCE2020-3BV.4.2
Price:
FREE
