Equation-Oriented Modeling and Optimization of a Biorefinery Based on Avocado Waste

• Type: Article in International Scientific Journal
• Date: 2024

Authors

Sousa, D (Author) Other; Rodrigues, D (Author) FEUP; Castro, PM (Author) Other; Matos, HA (Author) Other

Journal

The Journal is awaiting validation by the Administrative Services.

Title: PROCESSES

Vol. 12

Final page: 91

ISSN: 2227-9717

Indexing

ISI Web of Knowledge - 0 Citations

Scopus - 0 Citations

Other information

Authenticus ID: P-00Z-Y0F

DOI: 10.3390/pr12010091

Abstract (EN): Due to the growth in the consumption of avocado in recent years, the amount of waste caused by avocado peel and seed has increased. Avocado waste can be transformed into valuable products such as energy, biofuels, and biological products using integrated processes in a biorefinery. This paper considers the detailed modeling, simulation, and optimization of a biorefinery for the production of phenolic compounds, bioethanol, biological xylitol, syngas, and electrical power from avocado seed and peel, using Aspen Plus in equation-oriented mode as a process simulation tool. For a biorefinery in nominal conditions, it is possible to achieve a gross profit of approximately 30x106 USD/year for capital costs of USD 31.4x106, while the combined effect of process optimization and heat integration allows reaching a gross profit of 37x106 USD/year for capital costs of USD 30.7x106. These results of the optimized plant show its potential to take advantage of avocado seed and peel in a profitable and sustainable way. This detailed equation-based model paves the way for superstructure optimization of a biorefinery for avocado waste processing.

Language: English

Type (Professor's evaluation): Scientific

No. of pages: 18