Biorefinery Networks and Identification of the Optimal Processing Paths

1 Biorefinery Networks and Identification of the Optimal Processing Paths 

Four optimization scenarios were studied for technical and economic feasibility on the basis of the extended superstructure which has extended capabilities to compare more potential processing technologies and platforms. The scenarios selected were as follows (i) to maximize the production of FT-gasoline/diesel (ii) to maximize FT-gasohne/diesel sales, min. operating cost, and min. investment cost (iii) to maximize production of ethanol and (iv) to maximize ethanol sales, min. operating cost, and min. investment cost. 

To increase the design space and the potential number of scenarios, the superstmctme was extended by combining the biochemical conversion platform with a thermochemical conversion platform (Cheali et al., 2014). A literature review was performed to formulate 

The extended biorefinery network (thermochemical and biochemical platforms) expands the design space significantly. This means that one can now screen among more potential processing paths and alternatives. The extended networks can also generate more scenarios and solutions and can serve more requirements and specifications of the end users (engineers. 

The data and parameters required for the generic model blocks that are used to define the superstructure are presented here. When the reported data are available from experimental or pilot plant smdies, the data were collected directly. If not, the data need to be obtained from simulations or should be estimated to obtain the parameters used in the general block using commercial process simulators such as Proll, Aspen, etc. 

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