Selection of Optimal Conversion Pathway

Once the optimal product is designed, the optimal conversion pathways that convert biomass into the bio-based fuel are identified in the second stage of the methodology. In this case study, palm-based biomass known as empty fruit bunches (EFB) is chosen as feedstock of the integrated biorefinery. The lignocellulosic composition of the EFB is shown in Table 11.9. 

From the first stage of the methodology, it is known that the end product of the integrated biorefmery is alkane with carbon number of 9. A hst of possible conversion pathways that 

In this case study, two scenarios of different production objectives are considered in synthesising the integrated biorefinery  

In this case study, other than the revenue generated by producing the bio-based fuel, the revenue obtained from the generation of by-products along with the product is included in the overall economic potential of the integrated biorefmery as well. With a feed of 50,000 tonnes per year of EFB, superstructural optimisation model is formulated and solved for the following production objectives. 

In this scenario, an integrated biorefmery is synthesised by solving the optimisation model using the optimisation objective in Equation 11.40. Note that the optimum bio-based 

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